12th International Yoga Day Celebrated Across Goa with Strong Public Participation
Yoga is the Foundation of a Healthy Body, Peaceful Mind and Strong Society, Says CM Dr. Pramod Sawant
Panaji, June 21, 2026: Promoting the message of healthy living and holistic well-being, Goa celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day with enthusiasm and public participation across the State. The event was held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Santa Cruz, under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Aging.”
The programme featured guided yoga sessions and demonstrations by yoga instructors Sandesh Barajanakar, Soham Patkar, Nandini Diman and Rafiq Karadgi. Participants also witnessed artistic yoga performances by 13-year-old Vidyat Gaurish Lotlikar from Pilerne and an 18-member team from Jyotirmay Yoga and Gymnastics Academy, Porvorim.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” reflects the growing importance of preventive healthcare and healthy living. He said yoga provides a holistic approach to physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional balance and inner harmony, making it increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
CM Dr. Pramod Sawant said yoga is one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity and a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative that led to the United Nations declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day, he said yoga has evolved into a global movement for wellness. He added that yoga nurtures discipline, confidence and positivity while contributing to the vision of a healthy, empowered and developed India. He also urged citizens to make yoga a part of their daily lives and highlighted Goa’s potential to emerge as a leading hub for yoga, Ayurveda and wellness tourism.
The celebration reinforced the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles and fostering collective well-being. The enthusiastic participation witnessed across the State reflected the growing acceptance of yoga as a powerful tool for health, fitness and overall wellness.
The programme was attended by Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs and Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa Ajay Gaude, AYUSH Minister, representatives of AYUSH colleges, government officials, yoga trainers, volunteers, students and citizens.
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