Andhra Pradesh to Establish Yoga Centres in Every Village, Says CM Chandrababu Naidu on International Yoga Day

Vijayawada, June 2026: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced an ambitious plan to establish yoga centres in every village across the state as part of the government’s efforts to promote holistic health and wellness. Addressing a massive gathering during the International Yoga Day celebrations at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada, Naidu said the state aims to make yoga a way of life for every citizen and integrate it into daily routines.

The Chief Minister joined thousands of students, youth, government employees and citizens in performing yoga exercises at the event, which was led by renowned Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. Naidu, accompanied by Education Minister Nara Lokesh, participated in various yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques under Ramdev’s guidance.

Dressed in a T-shirt bearing the ‘Yogandhra’ logo, the Chief Minister actively performed Pranayama, Anulom-Vilom and several yoga asanas along with the participants. The stadium witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with yoga sessions beginning as early as 5 a.m. under Baba Ramdev’s leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said that yoga has emerged as a powerful movement in Andhra Pradesh, with more than one crore people currently practising yoga through approximately 1.33 lakh centres spread across the state.

“Our objective is to take yoga to every household and ensure better health for all citizens. Permanent yoga centres will be established in every ‘Swarna Grama’ and ‘Swarna Ward’ office. District- and mandal-level officials will be appointed to monitor yoga activities, while a team of experts will prepare standard yoga protocols for implementation across the state,” he announced.

The Chief Minister also revealed plans for a dedicated digital platform named ‘Yogandhra’ to streamline yoga-related activities, training and awareness programmes.

Naidu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming yoga into a global phenomenon and giving international recognition to India’s ancient wellness tradition.

“Prime Minister Modi has showcased India’s strength to the world and elevated the nation’s standing globally. Because of his initiative, International Yoga Day is now celebrated in nearly 190 countries. India has emerged as a ‘Vishwa Guru’ capable of guiding the world with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage,” he said.

Highlighting the benefits of yoga, the Chief Minister said the practice strengthens both physical and mental health while helping individuals cope with stress and challenges. He praised Baba Ramdev for popularising yoga and making it accessible to people from all walks of life.

“The future belongs to the combination of technology and spirituality. A healthy, prosperous and happy Andhra Pradesh can be built through yoga and spiritual values. We must work together to create a spiritually empowered Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

Sharing his personal experience, Naidu disclosed that he has been practising yoga regularly for nearly three decades. Despite his demanding schedule and the challenges of public life, yoga has helped him maintain physical fitness, mental clarity and emotional balance, he said.

“I have practised yoga for the last 30 years. It enables me to overcome daily pressures and challenges. When technology and spirituality come together, the possibilities are limitless. Just as we embrace modern technology, we must also embrace yoga and spiritual practices,” he added.

The Chief Minister recalled the success of ‘Yogandhra-2025’ held in Visakhapatnam, which earned Guinness World Records and other international recognitions in the presence of Prime Minister Modi. Building on that momentum, he announced that Andhra Pradesh will host the next International Yoga Day celebrations in Tirupati.

Naidu also urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles by avoiding junk food and embracing natural farming practices. He stressed the importance of consuming chemical-free food and announced plans to increase the state’s green cover to 50 per cent.

The Chief Minister further unveiled the statewide rollout of the ‘Sanjeevani’ project from August 15. The initiative will bring healthcare experts closer to communities while integrating yoga, meditation and wellness practices into preventive healthcare.

“Every individual should dedicate at least one hour each day to yoga, meditation and pranayama. These practices can significantly improve health and quality of life,” he said.

The event also witnessed the presentation of two World Book of Records certificates recognising the participation of 1.07 crore people and 2.5 lakh yoga instructors in yoga activities across Andhra Pradesh. The certificates were formally handed over to the Chief Minister during the programme.

Several Union Ministers, state ministers, lawmakers, senior bureaucrats, Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Acharya Balkrishna and other dignitaries attended the grand celebration, which highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to promoting yoga as a foundation for public health and well-being.

Team Maverick.