21 June,2026 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said yoga can play a crucial role in helping people remain physically fit and mentally resilient while coping with the pressures and challenges of modern life. Speaking during International Yoga Day celebrations in Mumbai, he highlighted the importance of incorporating yoga into daily routines to maintain overall health and well-being.
Fadnavis participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga event by performing various yoga postures along with other participants and reiterated the benefits of the ancient practice in promoting a balanced lifestyle.
Addressing reporters after the event, the Chief Minister said that people today face increasing levels of stress, pressure and challenges in their personal and professional lives.
According to him, yoga offers an effective way to maintain physical fitness and mental stability amid these demands. He noted that regular practice can help individuals stay healthy while improving their ability to handle everyday pressures.
Fadnavis said yoga has been an integral part of India's traditional way of life for centuries and continues to remain relevant in contemporary society due to its holistic benefits.
The Chief Minister described yoga as more than just a physical exercise, saying it helps establish harmony between the body, mind and soul. He added that the practice contributes to building healthier individuals and, in turn, a healthier society.
He also highlighted yoga's role in promoting inner healing and emotional well-being, stating that its benefits extend beyond physical fitness. According to him, regular practice can help improve overall quality of life and support long-term wellness.
Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting yoga on the international stage and helping transform it into a global movement.
He said International Yoga Day is now celebrated in countries around the world, reflecting the growing recognition of yoga as an effective tool for maintaining health and wellness. The Chief Minister noted that the worldwide observance of Yoga Day has increased awareness about the practice and encouraged wider participation.
This year's International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". The theme highlights the importance of maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being throughout different stages of life.
The focus on healthy ageing comes at a time when countries across the world are witnessing growing concerns related to lifestyle diseases and ageing populations. Health experts increasingly emphasise the importance of preventive healthcare measures that improve not only life expectancy but also overall quality of life.
Yoga is widely recognised for its potential to improve flexibility, balance, mobility and mental wellness, making it an important component of healthy ageing strategies.
The 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated across India and in several countries on Sunday through community programmes, public events and mass yoga sessions.
The national observance was led by Prime Minister Modi from Kolkata's Red Road, where thousands of participants gathered to mark the occasion. The event highlighted the role of yoga in promoting healthier lifestyles and encouraging people of all age groups to adopt wellness-focused habits.
As celebrations took place across Maharashtra and the rest of the country, Fadnavis urged citizens to embrace yoga as a regular part of their daily lives, saying it remains one of the most effective ways to maintain fitness, reduce stress and support overall well-being.
