CHANDIGARH: In a major push toward public wellness and institutional health, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini led a specialized Common Yoga Protocol practice session at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex. The event brought together state ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and senior officials to practice collective yoga, delivering a unified message of adopting a healthy lifestyle and building a disease-free society.
The session, organized under the joint aegis of the Haryana Legislative Assembly and the Haryana Yoga Commission, serves as the main curtain-raiser for the state’s upcoming International Yoga Day celebrations.
Leadership Promotes Unity and a Drug-Free State
The morning session commenced with an inaugural ceremony where Chief Minister Saini and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan lit the traditional lamp. Guided by the Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, Dr. Jaideep Arya, and certified instructors, the participants performed the complete series of standardized movements outlined in the Common Yoga Protocol, which included physical loosening exercises, standing, sitting, prone and supine postures, pranayama, and deep meditation.
Addressing the assembly, Chief Minister Saini highlighted the deeper philosophical meaning of the practice, stating that yoga takes an individual on a journey from “I” to “We,” fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the broader community. He emphasized that yoga must not be treated as a single-day event but rather embraced as a lifelong commitment. Crucially, the Chief Minister linked the daily practice of yoga with the state government’s resolute campaign to build a drug-free Haryana (“Yog Yukt- Nasha Mukt Haryana”).
Expanding Health Infrastructure Across Haryana
To transform this ancient heritage into a accessible civic utility, the Haryana government is aggressively scaling up its rural and urban health infrastructure:
- Rural Gymnasiums: The state has already opened 883 community gymnasiums across various blocks to encourage localized fitness regimes.
- Dedicated Personnel: To ensure proper guidance, 859 Yoga Assistants have been officially recruited and deployed across state facilities.
- Ayushman Arogya Kendras: Traditional AYUSH dispensaries and sub-health centers are being systematically upgraded into holistic wellness centers equipped with dedicated yoga instructors.
- Industrial Integration: The administration has also initiated provisions to introduce short, daily yoga breaks within manufacturing units to alleviate workplace stress for industrial laborers.
Why the Legislative Yoga Session Matters
When public representatives and lawmakers publicly participate in standardized physical fitness protocols, it sends a powerful message to the citizenry regarding preventive healthcare. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan remarked that a yogic lifestyle forms the absolute foundation of good governance and transparent public service, helping leaders maintain a balanced mind amidst intense administrative pressure.
Globally, the theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga is identified as “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focusing on maintaining self-reliance, mental resilience, and active lifestyles through late adulthood. By introducing structural infrastructure like rural gymnasiums and industrial yoga breaks, Haryana’s model showcases how state governments can practically implement global health directives at the grass-roots level.
Key Takeaways
- The Event: A mass Common Yoga Protocol training session was held inside the Haryana Vidhan Sabha premises.
- The Leadership: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Speaker Harvinder Kalyan personally performed the full protocol.
- State Campaign: The movement is explicitly aligned with the state’s mission to foster a drug-free Haryana.
- Infrastructure Boost: Over 880 gymnasiums have been activated alongside newly upgraded Ayushman Arogya Kendras to host year-round wellness routines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the main purpose of the yoga event in Chandigarh?
The session was organized to prepare public representatives and senior officials for the 12th International Yoga Day and to set a public example regarding the health benefits of regular practice.
Q2: What is the official state theme for Haryana’s Yoga Day campaign?
The state event operates under the slogan “Yog Yukt- Nasha Mukt Haryana,” using sports, community health, and yoga as core tools to build a drug-free society.
Q3: How is the Haryana government making yoga accessible to rural areas?
The government has established 883 specialized gymnasiums, hired 859 certified Yoga Assistants, and integrated professional instructors into upgraded regional Ayushman Arogya Kendras.
Q4: Where will the main state-level International Day of Yoga event be held in Haryana?
The main state-level celebration featuring international guests and senior leadership is scheduled to take place at the Parade Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula.
