Bhubaneswar: The iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar turned into a sea of serenity today as more than 6,000 Yoga enthusiasts gathered to participate in a mass session of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), marking a key milestone in the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.
The event witnessed the launch of ‘Harit Yoga’, one of the ten signature initiatives leading up to IDY 2025, in the esteemed presence of Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, who inaugurated the initiative by planting medicinal plants along with other dignitaries. Over 5,000 medicinal plants were also distributed among participants, promoting the message of environmental consciousness alongside physical well-being.
Addressing the massive gathering, Jadhav highlighted Yoga’s rising global stature over the past decade, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary efforts. Referring to PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on March 30, the minister said,
“The Prime Minister has rightly emphasised fitness as a way of life and unveiled the theme of IDY 2025 — ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ — advocating a holistic approach to global well-being.”
He further elaborated on the Harit Yoga campaign, stating,
“Our health is deeply connected to the health of the Earth. Just as Yoga nourishes the mind and body, tree plantation replenishes our environment. Harit Yoga embodies this synergy.”
The minister also linked the initiative with PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, urging every citizen to plant a tree in the name of their mother — a symbolic act of nurturing both personal and planetary health.
Jadhav also celebrated the success of the Prakruti Parikshan Abhiyan, under which over 1.29 crore individuals underwent Ayurvedic body-type analysis (Prakruti Parikshan), earning a coveted place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Pravati Parida, addressed the audience, saying,
“Yoga inspires us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Let us integrate Yoga into our daily lives and draw strength from the divine energy of Lord Jagannath. Odisha is proud to host the 75th-day countdown of IDY 2025.”
Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra praised Yoga as a powerful global tool of peace and health, noting,
“Thanks to the leadership of PM Modi, the United Nations adopted India’s proposal in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga, with the support of 177 countries.”
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, lauded the enthusiastic participation and expressed confidence that the 11th edition of IDY would witness record-breaking global involvement.
The highlight of the event was a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol led by instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the leadership of Director Dr. Kashinath Samagandi. Participants engaged in yoga practices including Pranayama, Dhyan, and Yoga Nidra, all designed to enhance physical and mental harmony.
The Yoga Mahotsav was also attended by Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar; and Nishant Mehra, OSD to Ayush Minister, along with several senior officials and dignitaries.
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