MARGAO: International Yoga Day was celebrated at Damodar Vidya Bhuvan, Comba, Margao, on Saturday, with an engaging yoga session for students of Std VI and VII from Popular High School, Margao under the guidance of yoga instructor Shri Gaurav Vyas.
Businessman, social worker and Executive Committee Member of M & N English High School, Chirag Datta Naik, attended as Chief Guest and urged students to incorporate yoga into their daily routine for better physical and mental fitness.
Speaking on the occasion, Congress Leader from Margao Chirag Naik said, “Yoga and Chess both originated in India, and we should be proud of this heritage. Everyone must practice yoga daily. Those who haven’t started should begin today, and those who have must continue without fail.”
He further motivated the students to share their learning: “Learn yoga today and teach it to your siblings, parents, friends and neighbours. Practice daily, even for a few minutes — it will instill discipline, determination and hard work, which are essential for success in life.”
The event, organised by Shree Damodar Vidya Prasarak Mandal, received an enthusiastic response from students, teachers and parents alike, reinforcing the importance of fitness and wellness in young lives.
Morpirla, Goa | June 21, 2025 – The campus of PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla echoed with positivity and purpose as students, teachers, and parents came together to celebrate International Yoga Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and heartfelt participation.
The celebration commenced with a soulful prayer, setting a serene tone for the day. Attendees then gathered to watch the special address delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose message emphasized the importance of yoga in today’s fast-paced world and its role in personal and planetary well-being.
Taking the stage, Headmistress Maria Murena Miranda offered a compelling speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She shed light on this year’s official theme, “Yoga for One Health, One Earth”, emphasizing how yoga acts as a bridge between individual well-being and environmental harmony.
“Yoga is not merely an exercise. It is a way of life that aligns the body, mind, and nature,” she said. “By fostering physical and mental wellness, yoga also contributes to a unified global movement towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.”
Headmistress Miranda encouraged all present—especially the youth—to embrace yoga not just as a daily practice, but as a philosophy of conscious living. She urged everyone to take responsibility for both their inner peace and the health of the planet, emphasizing that strengthening the mind-body connection is key to building a more resilient and compassionate society.
The event also included a group yoga session where students and teachers practiced asanas and breathing exercises together, guided by trained instructors. Parents joined in, creating a powerful moment of intergenerational unity and shared learning.
As the day concluded, the sense of calm, joy, and collective purpose was palpable—a reminder that even small communities can be part of a global movement for wellness and sustainability.
Month-Long Yoga Sessions Begin June 1 Across All Government Departments
In a bold and wellness-driven initiative, the Government of Goa has announced that participation in International Yoga Day on June 21 is now mandatory for all employees working in government departments, semi-government bodies, and public sector corporations. The announcement marks a significant shift in policy, as Yoga Day participation was previously optional.
This landmark decision was made following a high-level planning meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who emphasized the importance of integrating wellness practices into the daily routines of public servants to promote healthier lifestyles and improve workplace productivity.
Starting June 1, 2025, all departments under the Government of Goa will hold daily yoga sessions with 100% employee participation expected. These sessions are part of a larger wellness campaign leading up to International Yoga Day on June 21.
Employees unable to attend official sessions must participate at a nearby venue—such as a temple, school, or community center—and are required to submit a photograph of their participation to their respective Heads of Departments for verification.
“It is compulsory for government employees to take part in International Yoga Day activities. If they cannot attend the official sessions, they must participate at a local venue and submit a photo as proof,” – Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant
In line with the Centre’s Mission Karmayogi, which focuses on transforming public service delivery through capacity building, the Goa government has also urged all employees to register on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. Officials are encouraged to enroll in the ‘Yoga at Workplace’ certificate course, available on the platform, to deepen their understanding of wellness in professional life.
As part of the wider campaign, yoga sessions will also be introduced in all government and higher secondary schools across the state starting June 4, coinciding with the beginning of the new academic year. The Department of Education will ensure that yoga becomes a routine morning activity for students and teachers alike, helping instill wellness habits early in life.
To ensure wide-scale participation, the state will host International Yoga Day celebrations at 30 different venues on June 21. These events will be coordinated by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with local bodies, yoga institutions, and civil society groups.
Chief Minister Dr. Sawant highlighted that this initiative is not merely a symbolic observance but a deliberate step toward building a healthier, more efficient, and stress-resilient workforce. He noted that the mental and physical benefits of yoga translate directly into improved focus, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity in public offices.
“This initiative is not only beneficial for physical health but will also contribute to improved work efficiency,” – Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa
By mandating participation and embedding yoga into daily routines, Goa has become one of the first states in India to adopt such a comprehensive wellness model within the public sector. The initiative is expected to set a benchmark for other states looking to integrate health and mindfulness practices into their administrative frameworks.
