Yoga Mahotsav 2023, the three days event to commemorate 100 days countdown to International Day of Yoga 2023 was inaugurated by Union minister for Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at New Delhi today.  In his inaugural address the Minister talked about how the promotion of yoga and its widespread acceptance, has positioned India as a leader in the global health and wellness industry. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also launched a one-minute video on “Y” Break Yoga for enabling larger mass, particularly for workaholics, to include Yoga in their lifestyle.

Earlier in the day PrimeMinister Shri Narendra Modi had urged through tweet that “With a hundred days to go for Yoga Day, urging you all to mark it with enthusiasm. And, if you haven’t made Yoga a part of your lives already, do so at the earliest.”

Inauguration ceremony of Yoga Mahotsav was attended by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, Shri N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister, Manipur, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture and Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Union Minister of State for Ayush. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Minisry of Ayush and other officials were also present on this occasion. 

The event saw participation of Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor, SVYASA University, Bengaluru, Munishree Kamal Kumar, Terapanth Samaj, Rajasthan and international athlete Ms. Hima Das.

On this occasion, Shri Sarbanandasaid, “The continued efforts of our Prime Minister have enabled India’s leadership in Yoga, Ayurveda and traditional knowledge healthcare systems. Through the promotion of yoga and its widespread acceptance, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global health and wellness industry. This aligns with the G20's focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, and underscores India's commitment to "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" as a guiding principle in its engagement with the world.”

He appealed to all corporate houses, to initiate a “Yoga Cell” in their office premises which will help in rejuvenation and maximize efficiency in the workplaces. He further added that till now more than 12,000 research papers related to Yoga have been published in indexed journals. Extensive scientific evidence-based research has been conducted in India as well as other countries.

Shri G Kishan Reddy, said, “Yoga has become a vital component of tourism, and our Prime Minister sees Yoga as a cultural ambassador to unite people worldwide. With the growing popularity of Yoga his Ministry has launched Medical and Health Tourism, which focuses on offering specialized yoga and wellness programs to visitors seeking to improve their health and well-being.”

Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi, said, “Yoga has become an integral part of our lifestyle. Yoga is a big contributor to reducing stress in our lives its regular practice is the step to a healthy and disease free life, which leads to our physical and mental well-being.”

Chief Minister of Manipur Shri N. Biren Singh said, “Manipur University, in Imphal, was one of the six central universities selected to start Yoga department by the committee on Yoga education in Universities, Ministry of Human Resources and Development, Govt. of India. Since then Yoga day is celebrated across the plains and hills of the state. Various organisations including educational, health, security forces participate in large number.”

Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, said that, “Every preceding edition of IDY has garnered immense popularity, global support and acceptance. The celebration of Yoga Mahotsav 2023 marks the official beginning of the 100-day countdown to IDY 2023 and to sensitize and motivate the masses to participate in Yoga centric activities to widen the horizons of Yoga.”

Indian Athlete Ms. Hima Das also attended the event. On this occasion she said that, “I have been practising Yoga regularly. Every day I dedicate 10 mins to Yoga. I do Prayanam to keep my mind and body fit. We should not do Yoga just to celebrate but it should be a part of our life throughout the year.”

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush said, “The Ministry has initiated multiple programs and collaborations to build on the progress achieved over the last eight years in taking the message of Yoga across India and the world, and to widen its reach further this year.”

Ministry of Ayush along with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is organizing Yoga Mahotsav from 13th to 14th March 2023 at Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi and Post Mahotsav Yoga Workshops on March 15, 2023 at MDNIY.

The three-day Yoga Mahotsav 2023 will feature a range of programs and activities which will include talks/discourses by Yoga gurus, Vice Chancellors Summit, where heads of leading institutes will share their experience, States/UTs Ayush Summit, Yoga Fusion/Demonstration, Yoga rhythmic performance, competitions like Quiz/Elocution/Poster presentation and ‘Y’ Break & CYP will also be performed.

SK