Yoga Can Build a Healthy Life and a Strong Society: Minister Lakshmi RajwadeThousands Participate in Mass Yoga Session in Balrampur on International Yoga Day

Raipur, June 2026 : Large-scale celebrations were organised across Balrampur district on the occasion of International Yoga Day under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Thousands of people participated in yoga sessions and awareness programmes, highlighting the importance of healthy living, a drug-free lifestyle, and environmental conservation.

The district-level event was held at the High School Ground of Swami Atmanand Hindi Medium School in the district headquarters. Chhattisgarh’s Women and Child Development Minister and district in-charge minister, Lakshmi Rajwade, joined the programme and performed various yoga postures and pranayama exercises along with citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rajwade said that India’s ancient yoga tradition has gained worldwide recognition due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She noted that yoga is now being embraced by countries across the globe as an effective tool for health, balance, and human well-being.

“Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise; it is a science that harmonises the body, mind, and soul. Yoga and spirituality complement each other and guide individuals towards a healthy, disciplined, and positive way of life,” she said.

The minister pointed out that maintaining physical and mental well-being has become increasingly challenging in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. She described yoga as an invaluable Indian practice that helps people achieve balance, improve overall health, and lead a disease-free life.

According to Rajwade, regular yoga practice boosts self-confidence, encourages positive thinking, and fills individuals with renewed energy. She urged citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily routine and encouraged participants to adopt healthy lifestyle habits for long-term well-being.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Red Cross Society President Om Prakash Jaiswal, Janpad Panchayat President Sumitra Cherwa, Municipal Council Chairman Lodhiram Ekka, Collector Chandan Sanjay Tripathi, Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Banker, and District Panchayat CEO Nayantara Singh Tomar. Public representatives, government officials, employees, and a large number of citizens also participated enthusiastically.

During the event, trained instructors guided participants through various yoga asanas, including Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Padahastasana, Ardha Chakrasana, Bhadrasana, Vajrasana, and Makarasana, along with Bhramari Pranayama and meditation exercises. Participants pledged to adopt a healthier lifestyle through regular yoga practice.

Minister Rajwade also interacted with students from the Scout and Guide, Rover, and Ranger groups. She discussed their experiences and highlighted the importance of discipline, service, and youth participation in nation-building.

As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, the minister planted a Moulshree sapling in the school premises, promoting environmental conservation. Other public representatives and officials also participated in tree plantation activities, reinforcing the commitment to creating a greener Balrampur.

Collector Chandan Sanjay Tripathi administered a pledge for a drug-free India, stressing that yoga and a substance-free lifestyle are essential for building a healthy and empowered society. She urged young people to stay away from addiction, embrace yoga, and become agents of positive social change.

Similar mass yoga programmes were organised across all development blocks, urban local bodies, gram panchayats, Anganwadi centres, old-age homes, and several historical sites in the district, where people enthusiastically participated and reaffirmed their commitment to yoga and healthy living.