Yoga prevents lifestyle diseases, says Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at Juhu Beach
Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis took to Juhu Beach on International Yoga Day to make a pointed public health argument: as lifestyle diseases surge, regular yoga practice is not optional but essential. His invocation of India's UN resolution — among the fastest-approved in the body's history — reframed a wellness event as a moment of national soft-power pride.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the 12th International Day of Yoga at Juhu Beach, Mumbai on 21 June .
He called yoga a panacea for preventing rising lifestyle-related diseases and urged citizens to practise it regularly.
Fadnavis highlighted that India proposed the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations , with the resolution adopted without opposition — one of the fastest in UN history.
He described yoga as treating the body, mind, and soul as an integrated whole, strengthening both physical health and mental resilience.
Dignitaries including Legislative Council Chairman Prof.
Ram Shinde and MP Ravindra Waikar were present; the CM performed yoga asanas at the event.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, 21 June described yoga as a panacea for preventing lifestyle-related diseases, urging citizens to adopt a regular practice as the incidence of such ailments rises sharply. He was addressing the 12th International Day of Yoga programme held near the Food Court at Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
Key Remarks by the Chief Minister
Fadnavis emphasised that consistent yoga practice equips individuals to navigate challenges under any mental circumstance. He stressed the importance of promoting and popularising the science of yoga, appealing to citizens to keep their bodies healthy and minds calm through regular practice.
'Today, yoga is practised across the world in accordance with India's proposal. The world has recognised the importance of yoga for physical and mental well-being,' he said at the event.
India's Role in Global Yoga Recognition
Recalling India's contribution to the global yoga movement, the Chief Minister noted that India had proposed the observance of the International Day of Yoga on 21 June at the United Nations. The resolution was among the fastest-approved in UN history, adopted without any opposition — a point Fadnavis cited as testament to yoga's universal acceptance.
Body, Mind, and Soul: The Yogic Framework
The Chief Minister elaborated on the philosophical underpinning of yoga, noting that a human being is not merely a physical body but also comprises the mind and the soul. 'The science of yoga considers the body, mind and soul as an integrated whole. Yoga helps restore the relationship between the mind and the elements of nature,' he said. He added that regular practice strengthens mental resilience alongside physical health, and pointed to growing global interest in yogic science and yoga therapy.
Dignitaries and Programme Highlights
The event was attended by Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Member of Parliament Ravindra Waikar, MLA Amit Satam, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including Shivprakash, Keshav Upadhye, Pawan Tripathi, Deepti Waikar, and Usha Ben. Shivprakash also addressed the gathering. Chief Minister Fadnavis performed various yoga asanas during the programme, joining yoga instructors and a large number of citizens who participated in the event.
This year's observance comes as health authorities across India continue to flag rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle conditions — lending added weight to the CM's call for preventive health habits.
Point of View
But the harder question is whether state health policy follows the rhetoric: Maharashtra's burden of lifestyle diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension in its metros, is among the highest in the country. Yoga advocacy from a Chief Minister's podium is welcome optics; what citizens and health workers need is complementary investment in preventive healthcare infrastructure, not just annual beach events.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis say on International Yoga Day 2025?
CM Devendra Fadnavis said yoga is a panacea for preventing lifestyle-related diseases and urged all citizens to practise it regularly. He made the remarks at the 12th International Day of Yoga event at Juhu Beach, Mumbai, on 21 June.
Where was the International Day of Yoga event held in Mumbai?
The event was held near the Food Court at Juhu Beach, Mumbai. It was attended by senior political figures including Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde and MP Ravindra Waikar.
How did India contribute to the global recognition of Yoga Day?
India proposed the observance of the International Day of Yoga on 21 June at the United Nations. The resolution was among the fastest-approved in UN history and was adopted without any opposition, as noted by CM Fadnavis.
What is the significance of 21 June as International Yoga Day?
21 June is observed as the International Day of Yoga following India's proposal at the United Nations, which was adopted unanimously. It marks the summer solstice and has been observed globally since 2015.
What did CM Fadnavis say about yoga and mental health?
Fadnavis said that a person who practises yoga consistently is better equipped to face challenges under any mental circumstances. He described yoga as treating the body, mind, and soul as an integrated whole, restoring the relationship between the mind and the elements of nature.
