Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Sunday urged judges, lawyers, and court staff to make health and mindfulness a priority, as he led yoga sessions at the Supreme Court premises to mark the 12th International Yoga Day. The event, themed 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', saw participation from members of the judiciary and court administration.
CJI Emphasizes Yoga as a Tool for Stillness in Chaotic World
Addressing the gathering, CJI Surya Kant noted that yoga offers a timeless framework for finding stillness in an otherwise chaotic world. 'For centuries, our civilisational wisdom has emphasised that true wellness is never just about physical fitness. It is about a harmonious alignment between the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yoga is the practical vehicle for that philosophy,' he said.
The CJI highlighted the relentless demands of daily life within the administration of justice, saying, 'We deal with high volumes of work, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure that comes with supporting the administration of justice. This environment inevitably takes a toll on our mental clarity and physical vitality.' He stressed that it is easy to neglect health when professional responsibilities take over.
Yoga as a Necessary Investment, Not a Luxury
CJI Kant dispelled the misconception that yoga requires perfect flexibility or hours of free time. 'I am myself still a learner when it comes to yoga, yet I can say with certainty that even a few minutes of conscious breathing or basic stretching can dramatically alter how you handle stress,' he said. He added that yoga stabilises the mind, improves focus, and builds physical resilience needed to sustain demanding schedules.
'Nurturing our well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessary investment in ourselves and in the institution we serve,' the CJI asserted. He encouraged consistency over occasional practice, stating, 'True benefits do not come from a once-a-year exercise; they come from consistency.'
Call for Daily Routine of Meditation or Stretching
The Chief Justice urged participants to use International Yoga Day as a starting point for a healthier routine. 'Let this day be the starting point for a healthier routine, whether that means ten minutes of morning meditation or a short stretching routine evening after work. Let us make health and mindfulness a priority, not just today, but every day,' he said.
The event, which included yoga demonstrations by judges, lawyers, and court staff, underscored the judiciary's commitment to well-being. The Supreme Court has been observing International Yoga Day annually since its inception in 2015, aligning with the global initiative promoted by the United Nations.
Yoga as Intrinsic Indian Heritage
CJI Surya Kant remarked that the annual International Yoga Day event has rightly found a permanent place on the calendar, celebrating an intrinsic piece of Indian heritage. He said yoga's philosophy of mind-body-spirit alignment is particularly relevant for those in high-stress professions like the judiciary.
The programme was organised by the Supreme Court's in-house wellness committee, which has been promoting yoga and meditation sessions for court staff. According to a Supreme Court official, regular yoga sessions have been introduced in the court premises to help employees manage stress and improve overall health.
