Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that Yoga has become a distinct global identity of India. It has shown the world a path to physical and mental well-being, personality development and inner peace. For centuries, Yoga has been an integral part of Indian life and tradition. He said that Yoga brings complete relaxation to the body. It is not merely a form of exercise but a holistic practice that connects the body, mind and soul, helping individuals lead a balanced and healthy life.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram at Swami Vivekananda Yoga University in Bengaluru on Saturday as the chief guest. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries formally inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The university, managed by the S-VYASA Society, warmly welcomed and felicitated Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. The organisers highlighted his life and contributions and presented him with a statue of Swami Vivekananda, an elephant figurine, a traditional shawl showcasing Karnataka's renowned craftsmanship and a citation.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh Government is committed to developing the state not only as a centre of development but also as a hub of culture, values and spiritual consciousness. He proposed that the university establish a campus or study centre in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister said that he personally wished to open new avenues of collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and Prashanti Kutiram in Yoga, naturopathy, research and training. This would also enable young people to receive scientific training in Yoga. He added that the state was promoting Ayurvedic education and channelising the immense energy and skills of its youth to make them job creators rather than job seekers.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that eminent scientist and sage-like personality Padma Shri Dr. H.R. Nagendra had given up an association with a prestigious institution like NASA and dedicated his entire life to Yoga and the service of humanity. His vision helped establish the ancient Indian science of Yoga on the global stage by demonstrating its validity through modern scientific methods. The contribution of Dr. R. Nagarathna and her colleagues to integrating medical science with Yoga therapy has also been invaluable. Through the collective dedication of these eminent personalities, Prashanti Kutiram has emerged as a global centre for the management of chronic and difficult-to-treat ailments and for holistic health.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the institution draws inspiration from the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, who envisioned a strong, confident and compassionate society built through education, character development and service. The occasion was not merely a celebration of an institution completing 50 years; it was a tribute to five decades of dedication to India's knowledge traditions, Yoga, spiritual awareness and human welfare. Prashanti Kutiram has made an innovative effort to connect Yoga, beyond its spiritual practice, with modern science and medical research.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav felicitated Dr. H.R. Nagendra and all his colleagues, appreciating their collective efforts to advance research, education and public service in the field of Yoga. He said that India's Yoga tradition must reach every home across the world, and this should be our shared resolve. Swami Vivekananda Yoga University has made a significant contribution to the scientific study, research and global promotion of Yoga. The uninterrupted 50-year journey of Prashanti Kutiram is an inspiring example of dedication to Yoga, practice, experimentation and service to humanity.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Yoga had gained renewed international recognition through the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He observed that naturopathy, Ayurved, physiotherapy and other systems of natural healing each have their own importance. Their common objective is not merely to treat illness but also to promote a healthy lifestyle and realise the concept of holistic well-being. India possesses a rich reservoir of knowledge rooted in the traditions of its sages and seers, dating back thousands of years. They made the art of living, Yoga, Ayurved, naturopathy and spiritual awareness an integral part of India's lifestyle and values. This is our glorious heritage, which needs to be re-established on the world stage. Today, the younger generation is not only reconnecting with India's traditional knowledge systems and healing practices but is also taking this rich heritage to the world through its talent and hard work.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is the country's second-largest state by geographical area after Rajasthan. With its abundant natural resources, extensive forest cover, diverse wildlife and extraordinary natural beauty, it is among the leading states in the country. He said it was a matter of satisfaction that the state government had decided to open nine new Ayurvedic colleges over the past two years. Continuous efforts are being made to promote Ayurved and traditional systems of medicine, alongside large-scale cultivation of medicinal plants. A wide range of medicinal crops, from Ashwagandha to Safed Musli, are being cultivated in Madhya Pradesh. Medicinal products from regions such as Mandsaur and Neemuch are supplied across the country. The state government is also encouraging farmers to cultivate Tulsi and other medicinal plants to enhance their income and establish Madhya Pradesh as a prominent centre for medicinal agriculture.
The Madhya Pradesh Government has also decided to promote cattle rearing to strengthen the state's traditional agricultural system. This will encourage animal husbandry and increase milk production. Madhya Pradesh currently ranks third in the country in milk production, but the state aims to go further. The government has resolved to make Madhya Pradesh the country's leading milk-producing state in a phased manner.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further said that Madhya Pradesh was emerging as a leading state in natural farming. Under a special scheme, farmers practising natural farming are being provided financial assistance equivalent to the annual cost of maintaining one cow. The objective is clear: to promote natural farming and cattle rearing, maintain soil fertility and strengthen farmers economically. The government seeks to develop an integrated model of agriculture, animal husbandry and natural resources that ensures farmers' prosperity while contributing to environmental conservation.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, congratulating Yoga practitioners, Yoga teachers and all those associated with Prashanti Kutiram on its Golden Jubilee, that their selfless efforts had brought renewed joy into the lives of millions of Yoga followers across the world. Other eminent scholars and speakers also addressed the ceremony.
Remarkable Centre for Yoga, Education, Research and Holistic Health
An uninterrupted journey that began in Bengaluru in 1975 has today earned international recognition as the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (Deemed to be University). The institution was granted deemed-to-be-university status in 2002. Spread across approximately 100 acres, its expansive campus is a distinguished global centre for Yoga, philosophy, education, research and holistic health.
