TNI Bureau: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in the International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and announced the establishment of three new Ayurvedic Medical Colleges in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts.
Addressing the gathering, the CM described yoga as a unique blend of physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being. He said yoga is not confined to any religion but is a priceless gift for the development of human consciousness and a complete science for healthy living. He noted that yoga has gained global recognition due to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has helped strengthen India’s cultural identity worldwide.
Referring to this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, CM Majhi said regular yoga and pranayama can help tackle health challenges such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress and loneliness. He urged senior citizens, youth and students to practise yoga regularly for a healthy and stress-free life. He also advised young people to spend at least 20 to 30 minutes every day on yoga to maintain mental well-being in the digital age.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment to healthcare and traditional systems of medicine, the Chief Minister announced that three new Ayurvedic Medical Colleges will be established in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts. He said a state-of-the-art Yoga and Naturopathy Institute is under construction on 20 acres at Binjhagiri in Jatni, while the foundation stone for a Central Ayurvedic Medical College has been laid at Rairangpur. He added that the government is taking steps to integrate yoga into school education and public health programmes.
The Chief Minister joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s live International Yoga Day programme broadcast from Kolkata through virtual mode. After the Prime Minister’s address, he participated in a mass yoga session at Kalinga Stadium along with senior officials, students and yoga enthusiasts.
The programme was coordinated by Alok Das and Satya Shobhan Mishra on behalf of the Yoga Mahotsav Committee.
Among those present were Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Sports & Youth Services Department Bhupinder Singh Poonia. Several senior officials, sportspersons and media representatives also attended the event.
