Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini flags off state-level yoga marathon in Kurukshetra, drive for drug-free, fit youth; green campaign ahead 21 June
Haryana's CM Nayab Singh Saini flagged off a Yoga Marathon at Kurukshetra, initiating a campaign for a drug-free state ahead of International Yoga Day
KURUKSHETRA: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off a state-level Yoga Marathon at the sacred Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, describing it as a 'Sankalp Yatra' (resolve journey) towards a yoga-rich and drug-free Haryana.
The event was organised under the aegis of the Haryana Sports Department, AYUSH Department, Haryana Yoga Commission, and the district administration, with large participation from youth, women, and elderly citizens across the state.
CM Saini emphasised that the campaign, in the run-up to International Yoga Day on 21 June, has already connected with over 19.27 lakh people across Haryana. He praised the public's enthusiasm, stating, 'This yoga marathon on the holy land of the Bhagavad Gita has become a strong movement to steer our youth away from drugs and towards a healthier, more purposeful life.'
During the inauguration, CM Saini showered flower petals on the runners to encourage them and later addressed the gathering. A total of Rs 3.46 lakh in cash prizes was awarded to the top 20 winners. Among them were Gaurav and Monika from Sonipat, each receiving Rs 51,000. The marathon not only promoted yoga but also raised awareness about sports, culture, and environmental consciousness.
Highlighting the upcoming International Yoga Day celebrations, CM Saini announced that people would get the opportunity to perform yoga alongside Swami Ramdev at Brahma Sarovar on 21 June.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Villas in Dubai | Search ads
Learn More
Undo
Online registration for the event is already open.
Saini also stressed the importance of daily physical activity and urged citizens to dedicate at least one hour to health and wellness. 'Yoga enhances our energy and efficiency. A healthy person contributes more effectively to national progress,' he said.
Yoga Campaign Supports National Development
Linking the yoga initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Developed India by 2047', CM Saini said, 'Drug abuse is a social evil that obstructs national development.
Our youth are the nation's greatest assets, and protecting them from drugs is our duty.' He added that the International Yoga Day theme, 'One Earth, One Health', aligns with Haryana's campaign for a yoga-filled and drug-free society.
The campaign has also taken on an environmental aspect. So far, 67,508 saplings have been planted under the Green Yoga Movement. Over 9.90 lakh people have engaged digitally with the campaign, while 38,000 AYUSH participants and 1.38 lakh Sports Department members have taken part in on-ground activities.
Upcoming Plans
The Yoga Awareness Journey will continue until 19 June, covering 5,000 villages in Haryana. On 21 June, organisations such as Patanjali Yog Peeth, Brahma Kumaris, Art of Living, and Bharatiya Yoga Sansthan will conduct yoga camps at 2,500 locations. Additionally, 10 lakh medicinal plants will be distributed and planted.
CM Saini also announced the launch of a 5-minute 'Y-Break' in offices to help employees reduce stress during work.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including former Minister Subhash Sudha, Sports Department Director and Ambala Division Commissioner Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner Neha Singh, Superintendent of Police Nitish Aggarwal, BJP District President Tejinder Singh Goldy, Yoga Commission Chairman Dr Jaideep Arya, and others.
The marathon reflected the state government's holistic vision for youth empowerment, drug de-addiction, environmental protection, and cultural preservation through the practice of yoga.
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Old structure at city's Hamidia hospital set to be demolished
Bhopal: The demolition work of an old structure at Hamidia Hospital is set to commence in full force. Four departmental OPDs from the old wing have been transferred to the Emergency and Trauma Centre building, as confirmed by Gandhi Medical College (GMC) authorities. The hospital administration has assured that OPD services will continue seamlessly at the relocated site from Monday. Dr Suneet Tandon, Hamidia hospital superintendent, verified that GMC's departments of medicine, dermatology, dentistry and additional services have been moved to the adjacent block. The existing Cathlab and diagnostic facilities for CT and MRI have been shifted to the new Block 1 high-rise. A Cathlab is nearing completion, which will enable dual Cathlab services for patients. The contract for the PPP-mode MRI centre has concluded. Sources indicate that the hospital has made an investment of approximately Rs 21 crore in new MRI and CT scan equipment, which will be installed in the 13-storey hospital building upon delivery. The demolition is required for constructing a multi-storey structure that will accommodate the state's inaugural Respiratory and Orthopedics Institute, previously slated for establishment at Idgah Hills (former TB centre operated by health department). The govt has sanctioned approximately Rs 82 crore for this regional facility. The institute, under GMC's supervision, is scheduled for completion in about 1.5 years.
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nair hospital's neuro-immunology OPD in Mumbai becomes haven for hundreds of patients
Mumbai: Nair Hospital's neuro-immunology outpatient department (OPD) has become a long-term haven for hundreds of patients. Sparked by improved diagnosis of neuro-immune disorders after the Covid-19 pandemic, the OPD celebrated its third anniversary this month. It is the only dedicated OPD in civic hospitals for such conditions, with 906 patient consultations since its launch, including 186 new diagnoses. The rest are follow-ups, as most conditions require lifelong care. For 29-year-old Mohammed Naaz Quershi, symptoms began in 2023 with a drooping eyelid, progressing to difficulty chewing and hand weakness. "Doctors told me this usually affects older people. I was confused," said the Mazgaon resident. After visiting several hospitals without answers, he was diagnosed at Mumbai Central's Nair Hospital with myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder that disrupts nerve-muscle communication. While the public hospital saved him costly specialist visits, he still spends around Rs 10,000 monthly on medication. Quershi is one amongst many who rely on the department for ongoing care. So far, patients have presented with 29 different neuro-immunological conditions, all involving the immune system attacking the body. The most commonly treated include Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD), myasthenia gravis, and IgG4-related pachymeningitis. MOGAD accounts for 139 cases — 35 new cases — involving immune attacks on the spinal cord that can cause partial vision loss, seizures, and muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis was diagnosed in 119 patients — 26 new cases — while 76 were treated for IgG4-related pachymeningitis, which causes chronic headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits. "These diseases were once considered mysterious because of a lack of diagnostic tools," said Dr Rahul Chakor, HOD at Nair Hospital's neurology department. Another neurologist from the department said, "They are relatively rare, so diagnostic tests and medications are not prioritised in public healthcare. Most tests aren't available in BMC hospitals, so we refer patients to private labs offering discounted rates. " Dr Chakor added that even as challenges persist, Nair Hospital has retained the majority of its patients. Only 20 out of 186 new patients discontinued follow-ups. "Most require lifelong treatment, but some achieve remission in two years," he said. Former KEM assistant professor Dr Parthvi Ravat's study found that PET scans can reveal brain inflammation from autoimmune causes, even when MRI and antibody tests fail. Dr Sangeeta Ravat, dean of KEM Hospital, added, "But patients often go undiagnosed for years and visit multiple hospitals. We send samples to NIMHANS in Bengaluru when tests are not available locally. NIMHANS offers testing at heavily subsidised rates. "
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
BEND IT LIKE SENIORS
ON THE MOVE: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the senior citizens battle it out on the football field in Panaji A bunch of seniors with a zest for life and passion for the beautiful game, are rewriting the rules It's late evening and the young kids undergoing a coaching camp at the Don Bosco school complex in the city stop in their tracks, wide-eyed. It's not the drills or a surprise celebrity visit that grabs their attention, but a group of men old enough to be their grandfathers battling it out on the football field. They jostle for the ball, argue over offside calls, and tackle like their lives depended on it. Some onlookers are amazed at their enthusiasm; others are alarmed at their competitiveness in what is essentially a friendly training session. Welcome to the Senior Citizens Football Club. Formed in 2018 in North Goa, it's arguably a one-of-a-kind football club in India. Members train three times a week on the artificial turf at the Don Bosco ground, unfailingly. Come rain or shine, their presence on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday is unmissable. Club president Allen de Sa said the constitution has two basic requirements: you have to be a football player in your prime and second, you must be aged 60 and above 'Our constitution has two basic requirements to join the club. First, you have to be a football player (in your prime), and second, you must be aged 60 and above,' says club president Allen de Sa, a former superintendent of police (SP) and ADC to governor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists: How to Quickly Lose a Hanging Tummy Health Wellness Journal Watch More Undo 'For many of us, football is what keeps us going. What is most amazing and admirable about this group is that it is a blend of ex-professional and amateur players, unitedly attracted to football to stay young and healthy, fit and strong. ' The group includes people from all walks of life—from former footballers, govt servants, bankers, journalists, seamen to even expats. The oldest among them is 84-year-old Manohar Netravalkar, who once donned colours of top-tier Goan football clubs like Sporting Clube and Santa Inez SC. Most others are in their seventies, who give the debutant 60-year-olds a run for their reputation. Also in their ranks is former India captain and Padma Shri awardee Brahmanand Shankhwalkar, perhaps their most decorated member. 'It's not just a football club. I call this a family, one that has kept us going long after official retirements. Mentally and physically, this group ensures that each individual needs no assistance to survive alone in his senior years,' says Brahmanand, the former India goalkeeper. The senior citizens football group got together for the first time in 2009, training whenever possible at Miramar beach Brahmanand may be the most famous name at the club, but on the field, they are all equals. 'Whether you have been a top footballer or not in the past, at our ages, you cannot make a difference individually. It's more important to play, and win, as a team. We have passion for the sport. Off the field, there's plenty of humour, and on the field, there's fierce competitiveness. You'll see constant arguments over handballs, offsides, fouls, all a part and parcel of the session,' says club secretary Bernard Simoes. The group got together for the first time in 2009, training whenever possible at Miramar beach. At first, there were only a handful, but with each session, they got noticed. More joined, many of them in their fifties, and as the number kept growing, they decided to form a club of their own, restricting entry to only those who were officially senior citizens. Those nearing retirements from their regular jobs are taken in only if there is a shortfall during the sessions. 'We have anywhere between 20 and 24 players turning up regularly,' says Simoes. While the senior citizens train regularly, finding worthy opposition is a huge challenge. They play friendlies against Goa Grand Masters, a more recent club from South Goa, and are invited to play even amongst themselves in exhibition games prior to popular inter-village football finals. 'It's been more than a decade that we have been together,' says Stanislaus D'Souza. 'During these years, the members have grown strength to strength, mentally and physically, with no signs of slowing down. We want to keep going.'
