Sukma, Chhattisgarh: The 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sukma district on June 21, where Bastar Member of Parliament Mahesh Kashyap led the district-level event as the Chief Guest. The program was organized at Gyanodaya Swami Atmanand School, Kumharras, bringing together public representatives, government officials, students, and hundreds of local residents for a large-scale mass yoga session promoting health, wellness, and mental well-being.
The event was held in line with the nationwide celebrations inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose efforts have played a significant role in popularizing yoga across the globe.
Mass Yoga Session Promotes Healthy Living
Participants performed a variety of yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) under the guidance of experienced yoga instructor Pandit Ramnarayan Mishra.
The session included:
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
- Pawanmuktasana
- Ardha Chakrasana
- Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
- Anulom-Vilom
- Kapalabhati
- Meditation and other yogic practices
Participants enthusiastically joined the session and pledged to adopt yoga as part of their daily routine for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
MP Mahesh Kashyap Highlights the Importance of Yoga
Addressing the gathering, MP Mahesh Kashyap described yoga as one of India’s greatest ancient traditions and a priceless gift passed down through generations of sages.
He said that because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, yoga has gained worldwide recognition and is now practiced across numerous countries.
According to Kashyap, regular yoga practice not only improves physical health but also promotes mental peace, emotional balance, and positive energy. He encouraged every citizen to make yoga an essential part of daily life to build a healthier society.
The Member of Parliament also actively participated in the yoga session by performing various asanas alongside other participants.
Call for a Healthier Society
During his address, Kashyap emphasized that adopting yoga can contribute to:
- Better physical fitness
- Mental well-being
- Stress management
- Disease prevention
- A healthier and more productive society
He urged residents of Sukma district to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice rather than limiting it to annual celebrations.
Women’s Commission Member Stresses Holistic Wellness
Deepika Sori, Member of the Chhattisgarh State Women’s Commission, said yoga is much more than physical exercise. She described it as a complete system for achieving a healthy body, peaceful mind, and improved work efficiency.
She noted that it is a matter of pride that, following Prime Minister Modi’s appeal, people across the world now celebrate the International Day of Yoga.
Sori encouraged citizens to dedicate at least 20 minutes every day to yoga, stating that a healthy population is essential for achieving the vision of a Developed India.
Yoga Reflects India’s Cultural Heritage
Senior public representative Dhaniram Barse said yoga represents the spirit of India’s Sanatan tradition and serves as a powerful medium for preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
He added that yoga should become an integral part of everyday life, helping individuals strengthen both the mind and body.
Appointment Letters Distributed to Health Workers
As part of the event, MP Mahesh Kashyap distributed appointment letters to newly recruited contractual healthcare employees appointed under the Health Department.
The ceremony marked an important step toward strengthening healthcare services in the district by formally welcoming new medical personnel into public service.
Pledge for a Drug-Free India
The program also featured a Drug-Free India Campaign initiative, during which MP Kashyap administered a pledge against substance abuse, encouraging citizens to reject drugs and contribute to building a healthier and safer society.
Senior Officials Attend the Program
The event was attended by several prominent public representatives and government officials, including:
- Deepika Sori, Member, State Women’s Commission
- Hungaram Markam, Municipal Council President
- Bhuneshwari Yadav, Vice President
- Korsa Sannu, District Panchayat Member
- Arun Singh Bhadauria, MP Representative
- Dhaniram Barse, Senior Public Representative
- Amit Kumar, District Collector
- Kiran Chavan, Superintendent of Police
- Mukund Thakur, Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat
- Virupaksha Puranik, District Sports Officer
- Sanjay Pandey, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department
- Dr. Gautam, AYUSH Officer
Large numbers of students, government employees, citizens, and members of civil society also participated in the celebration.
Message of Health, Unity, and Wellness
The district-level International Day of Yoga celebration in Sukma concluded with a collective commitment to embrace healthy living, mental wellness, and community harmony. Through mass participation, public awareness, and initiatives promoting both fitness and drug-free living, the event reinforced yoga’s growing role as a cornerstone of India’s public health movement.