Kurukshetra Hosts Grand Celebration for International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day Celebrated in Kurukshetra
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 sacred Brahma Sarovar, marking a significant achievement in collective yoga practice.
Prominent Figures at the Event
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 in all 650 districts of India by Patanjali Yog Samiti, adhering to the Common Yoga Protocol.
Swami Ramdev's Insights on 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 more than 2 billion individuals across 200 nations are currently practicing yoga. He emphasized yoga's holistic benefits, rooted in Indian culture and values, serving as a foundation for intellect, action, and nature.
Encouragement for Community Yoga Practices
He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to village leaders, encouraging them to promote yoga within their communities. Swami Ji urged sarpanches and gram pradhans to take on the roles of “Yog Panch” and “Yog Pradhan.” He highlighted that many of India's top leaders, including the President and Prime Minister, regularly practice yoga.
Yoga's Role in National Health
Swami Ramdev pointed out yoga's potential to significantly lower national healthcare expenses. He stated, “India currently spends ₹10 lakh crore annually on medicines. 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 various yoga practices like Ashtanga Yoga and Hatha Yoga.
A Call for Swadeshi and Yoga Adoption
During the event, Swami Ji led participants in an oath to embrace yoga and Swadeshi. He referenced data indicating that foreign powers have exploited India, emphasizing the importance of Swadeshi in revitalizing the nation's economy. He encouraged citizens to replace foreign products with local alternatives.
Patanjali's Commitment to Nation Building
Patanjali, under the motto “Prosperity for Charity,” has committed to reinvesting all profits into national service. Swami Ji also criticized the colonial education system, advocating for institutions like Patanjali Gurukulam to provide value-based education through the Bharatiya Shiksha Board (BSB). He urged parents to enroll their children in these schools.
Research Supporting Yoga's Benefits
Acharya Balkrishna Ji emphasized that even a short daily yoga practice can enhance health and longevity. He stated that yoga can manage and even reverse diseases while boosting immunity. He mentioned numerous global research studies validating yoga's benefits, including those from the Patanjali Research Foundation.
Government's Support for Yoga Initiatives
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed the government's dedication to promoting yoga and eradicating addiction and stress in Haryana. The event saw participation from over 400 villages, with more than 1.1 million people joining online from various districts and tehsils across the state.
Global Theme for International Yoga Day
This year's theme, “One Earth, One Health,” highlighted the global significance of yoga for health, unity, and peace. Swami Ramdev concluded by stating that yoga and Sanatan Dharma are essential for the world, capable of guiding it towards health and spiritual renewal.