Amaravati, May 21, 2025: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised yoga as a priceless gift India has given to the world. He emphasized the importance of making yoga a daily habit for all. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for securing yoga’s global recognition and announced that Andhra Pradesh will host grand International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam on June 21, with PM Modi expected to attend.
The state government is launching a month-long campaign called YogAndhra-2025, starting today. On June 21, a major event will bring together 5 lakh people practicing yoga from RK Beach to Bhogapuram. CM Naidu also launched the official YogAndhra website during a media interaction.
PM Modi’s Leadership Elevated Yoga Globally
Yoga is an ancient tradition and an essential part of Indian culture. CM Naidu said it was Prime Minister Modi who took yoga to the global stage. In the past, many foreign scholars traveled to India to study yoga, but invasions disrupted this knowledge exchange. Thanks to PM Modi, yoga’s value has been rediscovered worldwide.
In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to celebrate International Yoga Day globally every year. Yoga transcends borders, religions, and cultures. It promotes physical and mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world filled with stress and technology, yoga offers a path to inner peace. CM Naidu highlighted that PM Modi’s strong leadership helped the yoga movement grow, and it is now everyone’s duty to continue it.
A Historic Initiative in Andhra Pradesh
YogAndhra-2025 will run for a full month as a serious, large-scale campaign. The main event on June 21 will see 5 lakh participants practicing yoga simultaneously from 7 AM to 8 AM along the coast from RK Beach to Bhogapuram. The government aims to involve at least 2 crore people across Andhra Pradesh in yoga during this period.
The plan includes training 10 lakh people in yoga and providing certificates to those who complete the program. Organizing such a massive yoga session by the seaside is a rare and memorable opportunity. CM Naidu said this beautiful event, set against the backdrop of nature, will remain in public memory.
Expanding Yoga Awareness Across the State
With PM Modi attending the celebrations, a team led by Minister Nara Lokesh is managing the preparations. Volunteers from universities, government and private sectors, women, senior citizens, police, and employees will be encouraged to join. Certificates will also be given to participants.
Yoga training programs will be conducted from cities to rural areas. Andhra Pradesh has 21 temples generating over ₹5 crore annually. Yoga awareness will extend to more than 100 spiritual and tourist sites, including Amaravati Buddha Stupa, Lepakshi, Gandikota, Araku, Lambasingi, Konaseema, and the Akhanda Godavari region.
CM Naidu urged the media—print, electronic, and social—to support the campaign actively by sharing quality content, articles, and videos.
The government plans to partner with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga to train 2,000 yoga instructors, including 2,000 school teachers. Yoga will be introduced into school syllabi, and students will practice yoga for one hour daily when schools reopen. Volunteers who effectively promote yoga will have the chance to attend the PM’s event on June 21.
Health as the True Wealth
CM Naidu shared the vision for Swarnandhra-2047, aiming for a healthy, wealthy, and happy state. He said yoga is an excellent solution for many modern health challenges. He urged everyone to spend at least one hour daily practicing pranayama, asanas, and meditation to reduce stress and boost productivity.
He acknowledged the work of organizations like Art of Living, Isha Foundation, Patanjali, and Brahma Kumaris in promoting yoga across India. CM Naidu recalled his long association with these groups. He mentioned past yoga sessions held for IAS and IPS officers and ministers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from Art of Living and Sadhguru Vasudev of Isha. He also noted the global presence of Brahma Kumaris centers.
