Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Saturday called upon school teachers to conduct daily yoga sessions with students, emphasising that a 15-minute routine can greatly enhance students’ physical and mental fitness.
Speaking at the International Yoga Day event held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim, Sawant said that yoga is an essential part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed out that many teachers have already received yoga training through various institutions and urged them to incorporate it into their daily school schedule.
“Practicing yoga every day, even for a short duration, will help students improve concentration and maintain overall health,” Sawant said, highlighting yoga’s potential in shaping healthier and more focused youth.
He stressed that the Fit India movement is an integral part of India’s development goals and encouraged people to adopt yoga as a personal lifestyle choice, rather than just a school requirement. “Yoga should be embraced willingly — for ourselves and our families,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that International Yoga Day is now celebrated in over 180 countries and described yoga as one of India’s most valuable contributions to the world. “Yoga transcends all barriers — be they geographical, political or spiritual,” he remarked.
Sawant, a regular yoga practitioner, said that dedicating even half an hour daily to yoga can significantly improve quality of life. He also raised alarm over the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, which he said affect almost every household.
“To prevent such illnesses, adopting yoga as a daily habit is essential,” he concluded.
