Yoga is India’s Priceless Gift to the World: President Murmu

Yoga Balances Body, Mind and Soul; Over 5,000 Practitioners Participate in Madhya Pradesh State-Level Celebration

Bhopal, June 2026: President Droupadi Murmu said that yoga is one of India’s most precious gifts to humanity and a timeless legacy of the country’s ancient sages. Addressing the state-level International Day of Yoga programme in Jabalpur on Sunday, she emphasized that yoga provides a path to a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life while promoting peace, harmony, and overall well-being across the world.

The national celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Kolkata under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” In Madhya Pradesh, the state-level event was held at the Garrison Ground in Jabalpur in the presence of President Murmu. Participants also watched a live broadcast of the Prime Minister’s address.

More than 5,000 yoga practitioners took part in the mass yoga session, making the event one of the largest celebrations in the state. Among those present were Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior government officials, and representatives from various sectors.

Yoga Promotes Inner Peace and Collective Well-Being

Extending her greetings on International Yoga Day, President Murmu said that Indian scriptures regard harmony between the body, mind, and soul as the foundation of a successful life. She explained that the word “Yoga” means “to unite” — connecting individuals with themselves, society with nature, and humanity with universal consciousness.

She noted that yoga serves as a powerful tool for achieving inner peace, emotional balance, and collective welfare. At a time when the world faces numerous challenges, yoga offers a pathway toward peace, harmony, and shared prosperity.

A Global Lifestyle Movement

The President recalled that in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted India’s proposal to observe June 21 as International Day of Yoga. Since then, yoga has gained worldwide recognition and acceptance as a powerful instrument for global well-being.

“Millions of people across the world have made yoga an essential part of their daily lives. It is increasingly becoming a way of life and a symbol of India’s cultural strength,” she said.

Yoga for Healthy Ageing

Highlighting this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” President Murmu said yoga helps senior citizens maintain health, independence, activity, and dignity in later years. She stressed that yoga is not only beneficial for physical fitness but also contributes significantly to mental peace and emotional stability.

She urged citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and make it an integral part of their lives.

Governor Patel: Yoga Leads to a Healthy and Joyful Life

Governor Mangubhai Patel described yoga as a comprehensive system that makes life balanced, simple, and joyful. He said the Indian knowledge tradition has shown the world a path toward healthy living, and today nations across the globe are embracing yoga.

He noted that regular practice of yoga, meditation, and pranayama for just 20 to 30 minutes daily can bring positive and transformative changes to one’s life.

Chief Minister Yadav: Yoga is the Foundation of Global Peace

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the 12th International Day of Yoga was being celebrated enthusiastically across the world. He noted that approximately 2,500 locations worldwide and more than 210 Indian missions and embassies participated in Yoga Day events this year.

Calling yoga India’s gift to humanity, he said the practice embodies the spirit of unity and reflects the country’s ancient wisdom and cultural heritage. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking India’s spiritual traditions and yoga to the global stage.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of the “Har Ghar Yoga Abhiyan” campaign in Madhya Pradesh, which helped spread awareness and participation across the state.

Madhya Pradesh: A Land of Yogic Heritage

Dr. Yadav said Madhya Pradesh has long been associated with spiritual traditions and yogic practices. He noted that Lord Krishna received education, including yogic knowledge, at the Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain.

He added that yoga is now being practiced in more than 200 countries, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and its contribution to global wellness.

The programme concluded with collective yoga practice and the presentation of commemorative mementoes by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to President Droupadi Murmu and Governor Mangubhai Patel.