Massive Celebration of International Yoga Day in Kurukshetra Led by Swami Ramdev

A Grand Celebration of Yoga

The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kurukshetra, guided by Pujya Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj. This event was a collaborative effort involving Patanjali Yogpeeth, the Haryana Yoga Commission, and the AYUSH Department of Haryana. Over 100,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered at the revered Brahma Sarovar, marking a significant achievement in collective yoga practice.

Key Figures in Attendance

Among the attendees were Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj, Acharya Balkrishna Ji Maharaj, and Haryana's Chief Minister, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, who led the yoga session. In a nationwide initiative, free yoga training sessions were conducted across all 650 districts in India by Patanjali Yog Samiti, adhering to the Common Yoga Protocol.

The Essence of Yoga

Swami Ramdev Ji remarked, “Yoga embodies the essence of Sanatan Dharma and represents eternal truth. It has evolved into a Yugdharma.” He noted that yoga is now practiced by over 2 billion individuals in more than 200 countries. He emphasized yoga's profound significance, rooted in Indian culture and values, serving as a foundation for intellect, action, and societal norms.

Promoting Yoga at the Grassroots Level

He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to village leaders, encouraging them to advocate for yoga within their communities. Swami Ji urged local leaders to embrace the roles of “Yog Panch” and “Yog Pradhan.” He highlighted that many of India's prominent leaders, including the President and various ministers, regularly practice yoga.

Yoga as a Solution to Health Issues

Swami Ramdev pointed out that yoga could significantly lower the nation's healthcare expenses. He stated, “India currently spends ₹10 lakh crore on medicines annually. If every citizen practiced yoga daily, this expenditure could be eliminated.” He described yoga as a rich spiritual and cultural legacy, advocating for the adoption of yoga-based lifestyles grounded in timeless, scientific principles.

Commitment to Swadeshi and Yoga

During the event, Swami Ji led participants in an oath to embrace yoga and Swadeshi. He referenced data indicating that foreign powers have historically exploited India, a trend he claims continues today. He urged citizens to prioritize indigenous products over foreign goods to bolster India's economy.

Patanjali's Vision for the Nation

Patanjali, under the motto “Prosperity for Charity,” has committed to reinvesting all profits into national service. Swami Ji also criticized the colonial education system and emphasized the importance of institutions like Patanjali Gurukulam in fostering value-based education through the Bharatiya Shiksha Board (BSB). He encouraged parents to enroll their children in these schools.

The Healing Power of Yoga

Acharya Balkrishna Ji highlighted that even a short daily yoga practice can enhance health, happiness, and longevity. He asserted that yoga can manage and even reverse health issues while boosting immunity. He shared that numerous global research studies have confirmed the benefits of yoga, including those published by the Patanjali Research Foundation.

Government's Role in Promoting Yoga

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed the government's dedication to promoting yoga and eradicating addiction and stress in Haryana. Other notable attendees included Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Minister Aarti Rao, and various officials from Patanjali and the Haryana Yoga Commission. The event saw participation from over 400 villages, with more than 1.1 million people joining online from various districts.

A Global Call for Unity Through Yoga

This year's International Yoga Day theme, “One Earth, One Health,” highlighted yoga's global significance for health and unity. Swami Ramdev concluded by stating that yoga and Sanatan Dharma are essential for the world, possessing the potential to guide a troubled society towards health, harmony, and spiritual renewal.