Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday emphasized that yoga is India’s gift to the world in the form of a “mantra” for health and wellness. Highlighting the global relevance of yoga, Dhami stated that India has shared a powerful message for physical and mental well-being through this ancient discipline.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a key role in promoting yoga globally. His initiative to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 has helped elevate yoga to an international platform. Since its inception in 2015, International Yoga Day has seen growing participation and enthusiasm across the globe. This year marks the 11th edition of International Yoga Day.

To celebrate the occasion, the state-level program in Uttarakhand will be held at the Bhararisain Assembly Complex in Chamoli district. The event is scheduled for June 21 and will witness participation from ambassadors representing 10 countries, alongside Chief Minister Dhami. Over 1,000 individuals are expected to attend this main state-level celebration, making it one of the grandest events of the day in India. The dignitaries, including the foreign ambassadors and the chief minister, are expected to arrive in Bhararisain by the afternoon of June 20.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Jogdande, Director of Ayurvedic and Unani Services, confirmed that as in previous years, International Yoga Day will be observed with enthusiasm and at a large scale across Uttarakhand. However, the main focus remains the event in Bhararisain, which symbolizes the state’s commitment to spreading the message of yoga. Extensive preparations are already underway to ensure the success of this high-profile event.

Prime Minister Modi also touched upon the importance of Yoga Day in his monthly “Mann Ki Baat” radio address. Speaking in the 122nd episode, he urged people globally to embrace yoga not just as a form of exercise, but as a path to holistic well-being and a vibrant lifestyle. According to an official statement from the Ministry of AYUSH, PM Modi emphasized that yoga helps cultivate discipline, harmony, and good health, and its popularity is surging worldwide.

The prime minister observed that the attraction to Yoga Day has been steadily increasing since 2015. In his address, he encouraged citizens to celebrate the day in creative and inclusive ways — such as forming yoga chains and practicing yoga at iconic locations. These efforts have transformed the event into a global movement that is both dynamic and diverse.

Modi also praised initiatives like the “YogAndhra Abhiyan” in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at fostering a strong culture of yoga. The campaign targets creating a network of one million regular yoga practitioners, setting an example of how states can actively participate in the health and wellness revolution. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Yoga Day celebration in Visakhapatnam this year and reiterated the significance of yoga in promoting both individual health and national progress.

In summary, the upcoming 11th International Yoga Day is set to be a momentous occasion, with large-scale events planned across India, particularly in Uttarakhand. Through the combined efforts of national and state leaders, yoga continues to gain international prominence as a symbol of well-being, peace, and unity.