Kurukshetra, June 21: The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated in Kurukshetra under the guidance of Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj, organized jointly by Patanjali Yogpeeth, the Haryana Yoga Commission, and the AYUSH Department of Haryana. On this historic occasion at Brahma Sarovar, Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini led thousands of yoga practitioners in a large group yoga session.

As part of the celebration, free yoga training was provided in all 650 districts across India through Patanjali Yoga Samiti. A new record was set as over 1 lakh people performed yoga simultaneously in Kurukshetra. Swami Ramdev led attendees in pledging their commitment to yoga and promoting Swadeshi (indigenous goods). The theme of this year’s Yoga Day was "One Earth, One Health."

Highlights of the Address by Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj:

Yoga is the eternal and universal truth. It is deeply rooted in Indian culture, traditions, and nature. Yoga is the basis of intellect, action, nature, and culture.

Today, yoga is being practiced by over 2 billion people in 200 countries, making it not just a spiritual practice but a "Yug-Dharma" (duty of the age).

India can drastically reduce its healthcare expenditure—estimated at ₹10 lakh crore annually—if every citizen practices yoga daily.

PM Narendra Modi, whom Swami Ramdev called a “yogi warrior,” has written to every village head to promote yoga at the grassroots level. Top leaders including the President, Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Defense Minister all practice yoga.

Yoga is a scientific, spiritual, and moral system based on Sanatan principles. It includes disciplines like Ashtanga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Kriya Yoga.

Swadeshi for Economic Freedom:

Swami Ramdev stressed that economic prosperity can only come through Swadeshi. Quoting data from Oxfam UK and other sources, he said foreign powers looted over $100 trillion from India between 1765 and 1900, and the exploitation still continues today.

He urged people to boycott foreign products and make a list of daily-use items to replace with indigenous alternatives.

Patanjali, under its “Prosperity for Charity” model, commits 100% of profits to serving the nation.

Education Reform & Cultural Renaissance:

Swami Ramdev called for freedom from the outdated Macaulay education system through institutions like Patanjali Gurukulam, Acharyakulam, and Patanjali University, which are affiliated with the Bharatiya Shiksha Board (BSB).

These schools aim to nurture strong character, leadership, and cultural values.

Citizens are encouraged to send their children to such institutions and affiliate local schools with the BSB to contribute to national rebuilding.

Remarks by Other Dignitaries:

CM Nayab Singh Saini stated that the Haryana government is fully committed to making the state addiction-free and stress-free through the widespread adoption of yoga.

Acharya Balkrishna emphasized that practicing yoga for even 30 minutes to an hour daily can lead to a healthy, joyful life. He added that yoga can enhance immunity, delay aging, and even reverse certain diseases. Patanjali Research Foundation has published hundreds of research papers in top global journals validating yoga's benefits.

Massive Participation Across Haryana:

The event saw the active involvement of top dignitaries including Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Minister Aarti Rao, MP Naveen Jindal, AYUSH Director Sanjeev Verma, and Patanjali leaders like Sadhvi Devpriya Ji and Rakesh Ji.

Over 400 villages were mobilized, ensuring participation from every village and district of Haryana.

More than 11 lakh people joined online across the state, while 1 lakh gathered at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra.