Millions across Jharkhand rolled out their yoga mats on Sunday to celebrate the 12th International Yoga Day, transforming Raj Bhavan, university campuses, schools, prisons, and public grounds into hubs of mass wellness. The daylong celebrations, themed 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', underscored the state's commitment to holistic wellness and mental well-being.
State-Level Programme at Ranchi University
The state-level programme was held at Ranchi University, where Minister Irfan Ansari, senior health department officials, and hundreds of participants performed yoga asanas and breathing exercises. Ansari emphasized yoga's role in modern life: “Yoga has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries. In today's world of rising stress, yoga helps maintain mental balance and emotional well-being. We must embrace yoga for a healthy lifestyle that keeps the body fit and fills the mind with peace.”
Governor's Participation and Call for Daily Practice
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar joined a programme at Lok Bhawan's Birsa Mandap, highlighting yoga's benefits in reducing stress in a fast-paced world. He urged people to make yoga a daily routine, not just a one-day event.
Massive Student and Prisoner Involvement
Over 50 lakh students, teachers, and staff from more than 35,000 government and private schools participated in mass yoga sessions. Preparations began on June 16, and Sunday's events included prayer sessions, yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and competitions. Additionally, around 25,000 inmates across Jharkhand prisons took part in yoga sessions organized by the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority.
Enthusiasm Despite Rain in Ranchi
Despite early morning drizzle, Ranchi residents participated enthusiastically. Social media buzzed with photos and videos of the celebrations. Ranchi resident Parthiv Kumar said, “It was fun to do yoga amid the drizzle. I have been practising yoga for four years and have noticed significant benefits to my body and mind.”
Jamshedpur and Dhanbad Events
In Jamshedpur, a district-level programme at Khasmahal Durga Puja Ground near Sadar Hospital saw Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan attending. He noted that regular yoga improves physical health, reduces mental stress, and contributes to overall development. Dhanbad witnessed enthusiastic participation at the Mega Sports Complex, where MP Dulu Mahato, MLA Raj Sinha, and hundreds of residents performed asanas and pranayama under trained instructors. At IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Director Sukumar Mishra and participants joined a session highlighting yoga's role in fitness and stress management.
Widespread Participation Across Institutions
Railway employees observed Yoga Day at various establishments, while schools across Dhanbad organized sessions for students. Dhanbad Police personnel performed yoga at the SSP office and other locations. RSS shakhas and social, educational, and cultural organizations conducted yoga camps and awareness programmes across the district.
