Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Sunday, 21 June said yoga offers a timeless framework for achieving harmony between the mind, body, and spirit, and can play a crucial role in helping individuals manage stress and demanding professional responsibilities. He was addressing participants at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations held at the Administrative Building Complex of the Supreme Court in New Delhi.

CJI's Message on Yoga and Heritage

CJI Surya Kant described yoga as an intrinsic part of India's civilisational heritage, stressing its enduring relevance in modern workplaces. 'We are truly celebrating an intrinsic piece of Indian heritage. 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, offering a timeless framework to find stillness in an otherwise chaotic world,' he said.

Pressures Within the Judiciary

Highlighting the relentless demands faced by court staff and registry employees, the CJI acknowledged that the pressures of supporting the administration of justice take a measurable toll on both mental clarity and physical vitality. 'In our daily lives within the registry, the demands are relentless. 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 said.

This comes amid growing recognition across Indian institutions that occupational stress in legal and administrative settings warrants structured intervention — a conversation that has gained momentum in recent years.

Yoga Accessible to All, Says CJI

Addressing a common barrier to adoption, CJI Surya Kant said yoga does not demand perfect flexibility or hours of spare time. Notably, he described himself as still a learner. 'It is a common 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 urged participants to incorporate practices such as meditation, stretching, and mindful breathing into their daily routines — at their desks and at home.

Consistency Over Occasion

The CJI called on employees to look beyond the annual observance, emphasising that the real benefits of yoga come from daily practice rather than a once-a-year event. 'International Yoga Day is an excellent opportunity to spark a transition, a moment to step onto the mat and commit to making this a regular habit. True benefits do not come from a once-a-year exercise; they come from consistency,' he said.

About the 12th International Day of Yoga

This year marks the 12th International Day of Yoga, observed under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. According to the United Nations, yoga supports healthy ageing by improving balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while also promoting mental well-being and stress management through movement, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. CJI Surya Kant extended greetings to all participants and thanked the apex court registry team for organising the event.