In a powerful confluence of health and harmony, the vibrant city of Bhubaneswar became the epicentre of a unique Yoga celebration on April 7 as over 6,000 Yoga enthusiasts gathered at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. The occasion marked the grand launch of ‘Harit Yoga’, a sustainability-focused initiative that unites personal wellbeing with environmental responsibility.
Leading the event was Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, who, alongside several dignitaries, inaugurated the initiative by planting medicinal plants—symbolising a pledge to nurture both individual health and the planet.
A green milestone in Yoga’s journey
Speaking to the crowd, Minister Jadhav reflected on the growing global resonance of Yoga: “Yoga has seen a remarkable rise in the past decade—it has become a way of life across the world. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent Mann ki Baat on March 30, underlined the importance of fitness and holistic health. The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga (IDY) — ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ — perfectly encapsulates that vision.”
The Minister further explained the essence of Harit Yoga, one of the 10 signature events leading up to IDY 2025, saying: “Just as Yoga heals our body and mind, tree plantation heals the earth. ‘Harit Yoga’ is our humble way of integrating the two—promoting sustainability and mindfulness in one stroke.”
To make the message tangible, more than 5,000 medicinal plants were distributed among participants, encouraging them to take this green movement home.
Odisha’s embrace of Yoga
The atmosphere was electric, with participants of all ages performing the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) in synchrony. Demonstrators from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the guidance of Dr Kashinath Samagandi, brought the Yoga Mahotsav to life with live demonstrations.
Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, deeply moved by the event, remarked: “Yoga inspires us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Let us draw strength from the divine spirit of Lord Jagannath and integrate Yoga into our daily lives. We thank the Government of India and the Ministry of Ayush for honouring Odisha with the responsibility of hosting the 75-day countdown to IDY 2025.”
Adding to the emotional resonance of the day, MP from Puri Lok Sabha, Sambit Patra reflected on India’s global Yoga legacy: “It was our PM’s vision that led to 177 countries unanimously endorsing India’s proposal at the UN in 2014 to declare 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. Today, Yoga is one of India’s most powerful soft-power tools.”
Ayush Ministry’s signature events for IDY 2025
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, praised the turnout and noted that the 11th edition of IDY is expected to set new records in participation:
“This is not just a celebration of health, but of unity. We are moving into a decade where Yoga is central to our public health framework.”
Also present were Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary of Ayush, Sulochna Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar, Nishant Mehra, OSD to the Ayush Minister, and other eminent dignitaries who lent grace to the event.
Harit Yoga is among the 10 key Signature Events being organised in the lead-up to the 11th edition of IDY:
1. Yoga Sangama – Mass Yoga at 1,00,000 sites, eyeing a world record.
2. Yoga Bandhan – Global Yoga collaborations at landmark locations in 10 countries.
3. Yoga Parks – Creation of 1,000 Yoga parks for continuous community engagement.
4. Yoga Samavesh – Inclusive Yoga for Divyangjan, elderly, children, and the marginalised.
5. Yoga Prabhava – Decadal health impact study of Yoga practices.
6. Yoga Connect – A virtual Global Yoga Summit with Yoga experts and doctors.
7. Harit Yoga – Fusion of Yoga and environmental action through plantation and clean-up drives.
8. Yoga Unplugged – Special events targeting youth participation in Yoga.
9. Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 cities culminating in a PM-led celebration.
10. SamYogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga into modern healthcare.
Legacy of International Day of Yoga
The event also paid tribute to the legacy of IDY, which has grown into a global wellness movement since 2015. From Rajpath’s record-breaking first celebration, to digital triumphs during the pandemic, and mass participation across oceans, IDY has united millions across continents.
Notably, in 2024, the IDY event in Srinagar broke new ground despite rain, with 7,000 participants and ISRO scientists joining the “Yoga for Space” initiative. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh where 25.93 lakh pledged for Yoga, contributing to a staggering 24.53 crore global participation.
Living legacy for future generations
As the morning sun warmed the Kalinga Stadium and Yogic chants filled the air, the Harit Yoga initiative stood as a powerful reminder — that true health isn’t just about stretching the body, but extending our concern to the world around us.
By combining ancient Indian wisdom with modern environmental consciousness, Harit Yoga breathes fresh life into the idea of “wellness for all.”
WIth this initative, Bhubaneswar didn’t just host a Yoga event it planted a movement.
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