Damoh Celebrates 12th International Yoga Day with Grandeur, Leaders Promote 'Yoga for Healthy Aging'

Damoh, Bureau Report: The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with immense enthusiasm and widespread participation across Damoh district on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Thousands of citizens, school children, public representatives, and administrative officials gathered at the Astro Turf Hockey Stadium for the main district-level event. Embracing this year's global theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Aging', participants engaged in collective yoga practice and took a solemn pledge to prioritize physical and mental well-being throughout their lives.

Making Yoga an Essential Daily Habit

The main event at the Hockey Stadium was graced by Lakhan Patel, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department of Madhya Pradesh, who served as the chief guest. Addressing the massive gathering, Minister Patel emphasized that observing Yoga Day merely as an annual event is insufficient. He urged citizens to integrate yoga into their daily routines to maintain a healthy mind and body.

• Minister Patel expressed pride over President Droupadi Murmu's participation in the state-level yoga event in Jabalpur.
• He specifically praised the physical fitness of senior Damoh MLA Jayant Malaiya, noting that Malaiya's disciplined lifestyle and regular yoga practice remain a tremendous inspiration despite his busy political schedule.
• District Collector Pratap Narayan Yadav echoed these sentiments, reminding the audience that India is globally revered as the "Yoga Guru" for historically showing the world the path to holistic health.

Global Recognition and Simultaneous Local Events

During the program, MLA Jayant Malaiya reflected on the historical significance of India's yoga tradition. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monumental efforts in 2014 to secure global recognition for yoga at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), an initiative that garnered record-breaking support from 177 member nations.

Beyond the main stadium, the spirit of Yoga Day resonated throughout the city. Damoh MP Rahul Singh Lodhi organized a special yoga session at his office with BJP office-bearers and workers, including BJP District President Shyam Shivhare. MP Lodhi praised Prime Minister Modi's 25 years of uninterrupted public service and reminded citizens of the ongoing creative environmental and health campaigns initiated by the central government.

The main session at the stadium was expertly guided by Art of Living yoga guru Prashant Asati. Following the physical exercises, former Rotary Club President Kishanlal Hura provided refreshing coconut water to the attendees, including Superintendent of Police Anand Kaladgi. The successful event was hosted by Pandit Vipin Choubey, with welcoming remarks by District Ayush Officer Dr. Rajkumar Patel and a formal vote of thanks delivered by District Panchayat CEO Pravin Fulpagare.