Is Andhra Pradesh Leading the Charge in Global Yoga Day Celebrations?

Visakhapatnam, June 20 (NationPress) Andhra Pradesh is at the forefront of a worldwide initiative promoting wellness and unity as this coastal city prepares to host the principal event of the 11th International Day of Yoga.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who arrived here on Friday evening to spearhead the occasion, expressed his admiration for the state’s leadership in drawing global attention to India. He was welcomed at the Visakhapatnam Airport by Governor S. Abdul Nazar, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and other prominent figures.

On social media platform X, the Civil Aviation Minister remarked: "It’s a privilege to welcome Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji at Visakhapatnam today, alongside shri @ncbn Garu. His visit signifies a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh, as we host Yogandhra 2025—a national tribute to International Yoga Day right here in Vizag. As the world focuses on the transformative potential of yoga, it is uplifting to see our state taking a pivotal role in this global initiative for wellness and unity."

In discussions with Chief Minister Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Kalyan, and Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the Prime Minister commended their preparations for this monumental event.

Chief Minister Naidu assured the Prime Minister that Yogandhra aims to set new world records.

From the airport, the Prime Minister proceeded to the naval air station INS Dega and then to the Navy’s guesthouse for his overnight stay. He is set to lead the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) alongside over 300,000 participants on Saturday morning at RK Beach.

Joining him will be Union Minister of State for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, along with Chief Minister Naidu, in a grand display of India's vision for global wellness.

Extensive arrangements have been made along a 26-kilometer stretch from RK Beach to Bhogapuram.

The main event is set for 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., synchronizing with more than 1 million locations nationwide under the ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative.

Chief Minister Naidu extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He shared on X that all districts are prepared to partake in the grand finale of Yogandhra.

He declared that Andhra Pradesh is poised for a historic celebration. “Over 20 million individuals will participate in this movement across more than 100,000 locations in our state. To join this monumental celebration, locate your nearest venue and get involved. Together, let's make YogaAndhra2025 a moment of pride for our state!,” the Chief Minister posted.

The state aims to secure two Guinness World Records and a total of 22 world records through this Yoga Day initiative.

Chandrababu Naidu indicated that arrangements are in place for 319,000 participants to perform yoga simultaneously from RK Beach. On Yoga Day, individuals from 800,000 locations across the state, nation, and globe are anticipated to join.

“As the world focuses on the transformative potential of yoga, it is uplifting to see our state taking a pivotal role in this global initiative for wellness and unity,” remarked Ram Mohan Naidu.

The month-long Yogandhra initiative, running from May 21 to June 21, encompassed over 15,000 yoga competitions at various levels, held at tourist and significant sites. A total of 5,451 master trainers have played a role in the execution. Certificates were issued to 10,558,299 participants in various yoga programs throughout the month. Each participant has been linked to Aadhaar and provided with a QR code.

The event is centered around the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The state is working towards integrating yoga into the educational curriculum from class 9 onward, with plans to conduct yoga classes weekly in schools. Additionally, there are ambitions to establish a deemed university dedicated to yoga.