Health Through Devotion and Yoga

 Health Through Devotion and Yoga

- Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis

PUNE, Jan 21: Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis emphasized that yoga forms the soul of India’s heritage and culture, serving as the key to a joyous and healthy life. He called upon everyone to collectively strive for the creation of a healthy, fit society through devotion and yoga.

Mr. Fadanavis spoke at a Warkari Bhakti-Yoga programme organized jointly by Savitribai Phule Pune University, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Alandi, and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan Dehu, commemorating International Yoga Day.

He was joined by Higher & Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, Minister of State Urban Development Madhuri Misal, renowned scholar Dr. Sadanand More, co-chair of the Vitthal Rukhmini Sansthan Pandharpur, Gahininnath Ousekar, Registrar of Pune University Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram; Sports Director Sheetal Teli Ugle, District Collector Jitendra Doodi, and Advisory Council member Rajesh Pandey, among others.

CM Fadanavis stated that yoga revitalizes body and mind and highlighted the UN’s recognition of Yoga Day an initiative proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and unanimously adopted by member nations 11 years ago.

He added that yoga asanas are designed to heal and rejuvenate every part of the body from nails to hair through scientifically structured poses that stimulate internal and external systems. Globally, yoga is now embraced as a means for healing and wellness.

“Today, Ek Bhumi, Ek Arogya a message from PM Modi was lived out by the Warkari community practicing yoga simultaneously,” said the CM. Over 700 colleges and thousands of participants across multiple dindis (pilgrim groups) joined in the yoga session, fostering communal harmony and health. The introduction of a new “Arogya Wari” initiative in college circuits was also announced to ensure sustained practice.

Minister Shri. Patil noted that nearly 10 million people practiced yoga simultaneously worldwide, marking a miraculous moment. He remarked on the enduring relevance of yoga, meditation, and Vedic rituals revitalized through yoga’s integration into modern health and education systems, and urged that all colleges in districts like Pune must observe the occasion annually.

Advisory Council member Rajesh Pandey recalled that Patanjali and Gautam Buddha laid yoga’s roots in India, a heritage carried forward globally by PM Modi. Over 187 colleges, around 1,200 faculty members, and some 6,000 students participated in Pune alone, coordinated via the National Service Scheme.

Under guidance from Dr. Pallavi Kewhane’s team, attendees practiced asanas including Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Ardha Shalabhasana, Makarasana, Kapalbhati, and Anulom-Vilom. A rendition of devotional songs marked International Music Day during the event.

Prominent attendees included MLAs Bheemrao Tapkir, Hemant Rasane, Sunil Kamble, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Chaubey, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, District CEO Gajanan Patil, Pro‑Vice-Chancellor Parag Kalkar, Sant Dnyaneshwar Sansthan trustee Adv. Rajendra Umape, and Bhavarth Dekhane. Staff, students, and international participants also joined in.