Odisha celebrated the 11th International Yoga Day with vibrant, large-scale events held in all districts across the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi led the state-level celebration at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan oversaw the observance in Sambalpur. Various yoga sessions and awareness initiatives were conducted in schools, colleges, sports centres, and public venues, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through yoga.
Organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, the state-level event at Kalinga Stadium drew nearly 15,000 participants, including government ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior officials, yoga enthusiasts, and members of the public. The event was further enriched by a traditional Gotipua dance performance presented by the Department of Culture.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described yoga as “India’s priceless gift to the global human society.” He emphasised that yoga transcends physical fitness, offering a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. “Yoga is not confined to specific religious beliefs. It is a universal practice that awakens the body, mind, and soul, and it is now embraced by people worldwide, regardless of caste, religion, or background,” he stated.
CM Majhi also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pivotal role in granting yoga global recognition. He recalled that within six months of assuming office in 2014, PM Modi proposed at the United Nations that June 21 be designated as International Yoga Day. This proposal was adopted on December 11, 2014, with overwhelming support from over 150 countries.
Highlighting this year’s theme—”Yoga for One Earth, One Health”—the Chief Minister underscored the intrinsic connection between individual well-being and planetary health. “Ancient yogic practices not only nourish the body and mind but also promote a lifestyle that respects nature and all living beings,” he said.
He further stated that the Odisha government is proactively working to make yoga accessible to all. “Through schools, colleges, hostels, and sports centres, we are organising workshops and awareness programmes. Yoga is also being integrated into school curricula and public health initiatives. Our mission is to build a healthy, self-reliant, and empowered Odisha,” CM Majhi declared.
The Chief Minister noted that International Yoga Day sessions were simultaneously held in all districts of the state, reflecting widespread public interest and growing awareness of the benefits of yoga. “From urban neighbourhoods to rural villages, people from all walks of life participated with great enthusiasm, demonstrating their commitment to healthier living,” he said.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Leads International Yoga Day Celebrations in Sambalpur
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan celebrated the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday with a large-scale public event in Sambalpur, Odisha. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted that yoga, which originated in India in ancient times, has now become a global movement. “Yoga is a scientific discipline that enhances physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” he stated.
The event took place at the sacred site of Maa Samaleswari’s shrine along the banks of the Mahanadi River, where the Minister participated in a group yoga session alongside citizens. Offering his best wishes for the occasion, Pradhan underscored the importance of integrating yoga into daily life.
Participants from various backgrounds, including school and university students, volunteers, and members of social organisations and government institutions, actively took part in the session.
‘ଏକ ପୃଥିବୀ, ଏକ ସ୍ୱାସ୍ଥ୍ୟ ପାଇଁ ଯୋଗ’
୧୧ତମ ‘ଅନ୍ତର୍ଜାତୀୟ ଯୋଗ ଦିବସ’ ଅବସରରେ ସମ୍ବଲପୁରର ମାଆ ସମଲେଶ୍ୱରୀଙ୍କ ପୀଠ ଓ ମହାନଦୀର ଉପକୂଳ ଅଞ୍ଚଳରେ ସମ୍ବଲପୁରର ଜନତା ବିଶେଷ ଭାବରେ ସ୍କୁଲରୁ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ ସ୍ତରର ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀ, ସ୍ୱେଚ୍ଛାସେବୀ, ସାମାଜିକ ସଂଗଠନ, ସରକାରୀ ସଂସ୍ଥା ଏବଂ ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ସଂଗଠନର ବନ୍ଧୁମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଯୋଗ… pic.twitter.com/Pl8hWwOKFP
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) June 21, 2025
Speaking on the 2025 International Yoga Day theme—”Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—Pradhan praised the initiative and emphasised its significance in today’s world. He recalled that, shortly after assuming office in 2014, PM Modi proposed the recognition of June 21 as International Yoga Day at the United Nations, a proposal that received support from over 150 countries.
Pradhan stressed that yoga provides a proven path to health and prosperity. “Adopting a balanced lifestyle is essential to combat lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes,” he said. He also noted that the National Education Policy places special emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of students and educators.
Highlighting the cultural richness and dynamic spirit of Sambalpur, the Union Minister pointed out the region’s long-standing tradition of prioritising physical fitness through sports, exercise, wrestling, and daily walking routines. He called for continued efforts to maintain Sambalpur’s health and beauty and urged the preparation of yoga activities in every village of the district in the coming years.
With blessings from Maa Samaleswari, he expressed hope for prosperity and well-being in the lives of all citizens through the regular practice of yoga.
The Minister also extended his gratitude to the Sambalpur district administration for successfully organising the event. He was joined by Odisha’s Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water, Shri Rabi Narayan Naik. The event also featured a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s yoga session from Visakhapatnam.
