Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced a five-minute yoga break in government offices across the state, starting from this International Yoga Day. The initiative is aimed at promoting workplace wellness, stress relief, and a healthier work environment among public sector employees.
The announcement was made during a grand state-level event held at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, where over one lakh people gathered to celebrate International Yoga Day. The event was also attended by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Health and AYUSH Minister Arti Singh Rao, and MP Naveen Jindal. Renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev led the session, reinforcing the day’s message that yoga is not just physical activity, but a complete system for well-being.
Five-Minute Yoga Break to Be Introduced in All Government Offices
The Haryana CM’s announcement of a five-minute yoga break in government offices has been welcomed as a step toward embedding wellness into the daily routine of public servants. The break will include simple asanas and breathing exercises designed to reduce mental fatigue and improve focus during working hours.
Chief Minister Saini described yoga as a “science and art of living” and noted that even a short pause in the day for mindful movement and deep breathing could help reduce work-related stress. The initiative is part of a broader vision to create a more balanced and productive workplace culture in the state.
Mass Participation Across Haryana on International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day saw an unprecedented level of participation across Haryana, with more than 20 lakh people taking part in yoga sessions in schools, parks, public institutions, and community centers. The celebrations reflected the growing popularity of yoga in everyday life, especially among the youth and working professionals.
The Brahma Sarovar event, where the official announcement was made, symbolized the fusion of Haryana’s cultural heritage with the modern wellness movement. The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” echoed through the morning as thousands performed synchronized asanas in a powerful display of community wellness.
Yoga Curriculum and Infrastructure Expansion Announced
Alongside the workplace yoga initiative, the Haryana government has announced several other measures to promote yoga on a structural level. A standardized yoga curriculum will be introduced in all universities and colleges. In government schools, yoga performance will be graded through a credit-based evaluation system.
The state also plans to establish 100 new yoga and vyayamshalas (exercise halls) in this financial year. An international meditation hall is slated to be constructed at Shri Krishna AYUSH University in Kurukshetra. The government is also formalizing the recognition of AYUSH-affiliated yoga and naturopathy courses, with plans to register them under the state medical framework.
To further support professional training, 40 new yoga instructors will be recruited for the sports department. These moves are part of Haryana’s effort to position itself as a national leader in holistic health and wellness education.
Promotion of Yoga Literature and Research
Another key component of the state’s International Yoga Day announcements is the “Yoga Lekhak Protsahan Yojana,” a scheme to encourage writers, researchers, and scholars working on yoga-related literature. Outstanding contributors will be recognized annually, as part of a strategy to promote deeper understanding and cultural integration of yoga in society.
The scheme is expected to generate academic interest and expand public engagement with yoga beyond its physical practices.
Other States Join the Yoga Push
Haryana’s yoga break initiative comes at a time when several Indian states are integrating yoga into public life. Uttar Pradesh has also mandated short yoga breaks in its government offices. Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh observed mass yoga sessions in parks, stadiums, and public spaces. The shared emphasis across state governments highlights yoga’s rising status as a tool for preventive healthcare and mental well-being.
Public Health Through Policy
The Haryana CM’s announcement of a five-minute yoga break in government offices reflects a growing trend toward policy-driven wellness interventions. As the state deepens its investment in yoga infrastructure, education, and research, the move is likely to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
With consistent participation and administrative support, Haryana appears to be making yoga not just a day-long observance, but a daily practice woven into the fabric of public life.
