On June 21, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma led the state’s 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at Salbari in Baksa district. The large-scale event, held with great enthusiasm, brought together over 2,000 participants from various walks of life, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to health, wellness, and mindfulness through yoga.
The celebration was not only a showcase of the growing popularity of yoga but also a reflection of community unity and the state's focus on holistic development. People from diverse backgrounds, including youth, fitness enthusiasts, students, and senior citizens, actively participated in the event. Their involvement sent a strong message about the transformative power of yoga and its relevance in modern life.
Chief Minister Sarma was accompanied at the event by several prominent dignitaries, including Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, Cabinet Ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Urkhao Gwra Brahma, and local MLA Phanidhar Talukdar. Additionally, several executive members and councilors of the BTR were present, reinforcing the BTR administration's shared vision for better health outcomes and well-being across the region.
The event began with collective yoga demonstrations, where participants performed various asanas under the guidance of trained instructors. The focus of the session was on promoting physical fitness, mental balance, and inner peace. The program aimed to raise awareness about the health benefits of regular yoga practice and inspire the public to adopt it as part of their daily lifestyle.
After the yoga session, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the media and attendees. In his remarks, he highlighted the growing significance of yoga in today’s fast-paced world, especially for the younger generation who often face stress, anxiety, and sedentary lifestyles. He emphasized that yoga serves as a natural, accessible, and effective solution to these modern challenges by enhancing both physical and mental health.
Sarma stated that yoga should not be seen as a one-day event but as an integral part of a healthy routine. He encouraged people to make yoga a daily practice, irrespective of age or background, and pointed out that it could greatly contribute to personal well-being and productivity. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the global stage by initiating International Yoga Day, which is now observed worldwide.
Beyond the celebration of yoga, the Chief Minister also touched on several governance and developmental priorities. He briefly spoke about the progress being made in the BTR region, especially in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His presence at the event further highlighted the state government's inclusive approach toward development in remote and rural areas like Baksa.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants expressing appreciation for the initiative and vowing to incorporate yoga into their lives more consistently. Overall, the 11th International Yoga Day celebration in Salbari was a resounding success, blending physical wellness with community engagement and state-level leadership to promote a healthier, more mindful society.