Odisha Yoga Connect: Bhubaneshwar witnessed a grand celebration as more than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts practiced Common Yoga Protocol at Kalinga stadium today. One of the Signature Events, ‘Harit Yoga’ launched as Union State Minister of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav along with other dignitaries planted medicinal plants to mark the launching of the signature event. Medicinal plants were distributed to all the Yoga enthusiasts.
While addressing the gathering, minister said, “Yoga has gained unprecedented popularity in last 10 years and now it has become a global phenomenon. In his Mann ki Baat address on 30 March, 2025 Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like International Yoga Day. While sharing India’s vision for a healthier world population, the PM mentioned the theme of IDY 2025 as ‘Yoga for one earth One health’. The theme ensures holistic health for whole world.”
Speaking about the ‘Harit Yoga’ initiative, the Minister emphasised: “Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Just as Yoga nourishes our mind and body, tree plantation nourishes the Earth, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.”
With this the Union Minister of State for Ayush (I/C), Shri Prataprao Jadhav announced the launching of ‘Harit Yoga’ and said that Harit Yoga is part of the 10 Signature Events of IDY 2025. Union State Minister Shri Jadhav planted medicinal plants along with other dignitaries to mark the launch of Harit Yoga.
Mentioning about sustainability and environmental aspect of Yoga, the Union Minister of State aligned Harit Yoga with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and said, “This initiative encourages individuals to plant trees as a symbolic act of nurturing both personal and planetary health.”
Hon’ble Minister also highlighted the success of the ‘Prakruti Parikshan Abhiyan’ in which Prakruti Parikshan of more than 1.29 crore people was conducted earning a place in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Ms. Pravati Parida thrusting on the power of Yoga said, “Yoga inspires us to adopt healthy lifestyle. Let us integrate Yoga into our daily lives and draw strength from the divine energy of Lord Jagannath. On behalf of Odisha Government, we expressed gratitude to Government of India and Ministry of Ayush for giving Odisha and opportunity to become part of IDY 2025 in organizing 75th day countdown in Bhubaneshwar.”
While acknowledging the success of Yoga as a soft power at global scale, Member of Parliament, Puri Lok Sabha, Sh. Sambit Patra said, “Thanks to the vision of our Hon’ble PM, 177 countries unanimously adopted India’s proposal to declare 21st June as International Day of Yoga in 2014.”
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush praised the enthusiastic turnout and noted that the 11th edition of IDY is poised to witness record-breaking global participation.
The event was also witnessed the auspicious presence of Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ayush; Ms Sulochna Das, Mayor, Bhubaneshwar, Nishant Mehra, OSD to Ayush Minister and several other distinguished guests.
After the addresses, the demonstrators of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the leadership of Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director MDNIY, performed a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol. More than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts performed the Common Yoga Protocol under the ambience of Kalinga Stadium. The programme was streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other Yoga institutions.
Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was given a huge importance in today’s Yoga Mahotsav. CYP is designed with inputs from experts as it comprises day-to-day Yoga practice to reap all the benefits of Yoga. The protocol is intended to popularise Yoga practices like Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Dhyan, etc. Each Yogic activity is key to improving flexibility, strength, balance, and harmony. Yoga Portal by the Government of India is a platform to help people embrace, practice, and enjoy Yoga every day.
To mark the launch of Harit Yoga more than 5000 medicinal plants were distributed amongst the Yoga enthusiasts. This initiative integrates Yoga with environmental consciousness.
The Yoga Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar marked a significant step towards IDY-2025, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to promoting holistic health and environmental sustainability through Yoga.
