Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, joined hundreds at the Pusa Campus in New Delhi today on June 21, 2025, to mark the 11th International Yoga Day. The event, held under the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," saw active participation from ministry officials, ICAR scientists, farmers, and women entrepreneurs from self-help groups known as Lakhpati Didis.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan recalled a life-changing moment from 1998, when a serious accident left him with injuries to eight parts of his body. “At that time, I couldn’t even imagine walking again,” he said. “But yoga brought me back. It became the force behind my recovery. Today, I live a normal, healthy life, all because of yoga.”
The Minister urged people to move beyond treating Yoga Day as a symbolic occasion and instead integrate the practice into their everyday lives. “Even if you do nothing else, just practicing yoga regularly is enough to bring health and happiness,” he said. Emphasizing safe practice, he added that yoga postures should always be performed under trained supervision to avoid injuries.
Drawing attention to the physical and mental benefits of yoga, Chouhan underlined how breath control through pranayama sharpens focus and enhances well-being. Quoting the ancient Sanskrit phrase “Shariramadyam Khalu Dharmasadhanam,” he said a healthy body is the foundation for fulfilling all of life’s duties. “The body is our temple, and caring for it is a daily responsibility,” he added.
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a living example of yoga’s transformative power. “The Prime Minister works day and night, travels non-stop across countries, and yet remains energetic, that’s the power of yoga,” he remarked.
Highlighting the relevance of yoga in daily life, especially for farmers and rural women, Chouhan said, “Agriculture requires a fit body. Scientists need focus. And Lakhpati Didis, who balance home and livelihood, will benefit greatly from yoga.”
In a practical takeaway, Chouhan proposed a “20-20-20” formula: 20 minutes for asanas, 20 minutes for pranayama, and 20 minutes for planning the day. “This simple routine can bring peace, health, and purpose to life,” he said.
The event also saw the participation of senior officials including Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of Agriculture, and Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General of ICAR, who joined in the yoga session alongside the minister and attendees.
