Odisha to Introduce Yoga in Schools, Public Health Programs: CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, June 21 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that the Odisha government is planning to integrate yoga into school education and public health initiatives across the state. The move aims to foster a healthier, more self-reliant, and empowered society.

Speaking at a state-level event at Kalinga Stadium on the occasion of International Yoga Day, the Chief Minister emphasized the transformative power of yoga. “Our aim is to build a healthy, self-reliant, capable, and empowered Odisha,” he said.

Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 15,000 people, including ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior officials, and citizens from diverse backgrounds. Simultaneous yoga sessions were also held in all districts—urban and rural—marking a state-wide celebration of wellness and mindfulness.

Majhi highlighted that yoga is much more than a physical activity; it is a holistic system of well-being encompassing the physical, intellectual, mental, and spiritual dimensions. “Yoga is a priceless gift from India to the world,” he said, reaffirming its inclusive nature that transcends religion, caste, or creed.

The Chief Minister acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in taking yoga to a global platform. “Within six months of taking office in 2014, PM Modi proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the UN. On December 11, 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day,” he noted.

This year’s theme, “One Earth, One Health,” underscores the profound connection between human health and environmental well-being. “Yoga nurtures not only the individual but also promotes a harmonious lifestyle that respects all living beings and the planet,” Majhi added.

The event also featured a captivating Gotipua dance performance by artists from the state’s cultural department, celebrating Odisha’s rich cultural heritage alongside its growing wellness movement.

With yoga poised to enter classrooms and community health programs, Odisha is set to strengthen its commitment to holistic development and preventive healthcare, making wellness a central part of public life.