Introduction
As the world celebrated International Yoga Day 2025, political leaders in Madhya Pradesh showcased their flexibility on yoga mats. Ministers performed asanas publicly, striking serene poses for the camera. But beneath this carefully staged tranquility, the state’s ambitious yoga initiatives appear to have completely lost their breath. From big promises to barely functional yoga centres, the reality is anything but peaceful.
Yoga unites the world!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2025
Glad to see immense enthusiasm all across the planet for International Day of Yoga.
I took part in a Yoga Day programme in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. People from all walks of life also joined. Here are some glimpses… pic.twitter.com/OcZq0QFrRj
This year’s International Yoga Day 2025 theme was “Yoga for Self and Society”, emphasizing community wellness and preventive health. Ironically, in Madhya Pradesh, yoga schemes have become a reflection of administrative imbalance—plans are in place, but implementation lies dormant.
The Rise and Fall of Madhya Pradesh’s Yoga Mission
Three years ago, the Madhya Pradesh Yoga Commission was launched with the promise of promoting wellness across the state. With 52 district-level and 313 block-level committees formed, the plan seemed comprehensive. Additionally, Rs 3.68 crore was allocated to build 36 yoga centres across Bhopal—one for each municipal ward.
But what started with grandeur ended in compromise.
✔️ Planned: 36 yoga centres
❌ Built: Only 7
⚠️ Reality: Many of them locked, abandoned, or repurposed as event halls
“The idea sounded transformative, especially for gas victims in Bhopal still suffering from chronic lung diseases,” says Rachna Dhingra, a local social worker. “But there are no instructors, and sometimes no centres either.”
Gas Victims Left Breathless… Again
In Bhopal—a city still haunted by the 1984 gas tragedy—nearly 60% of survivors continue to suffer from respiratory ailments. A decade ago, Rs 4 crore was allocated to provide dedicated yoga centres to these victims. But today, most of those centres either don’t exist or have been turned into wedding halls or storage spaces.
Congress leader Shailendra Patel voiced his frustration, “On Yoga Day, they call the media, pose for photos, and leave. The Yoga Commission is broke, the centres for gas victims are shut, and all this is nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
To make matters worse, the official website of the MP Yoga Commission—shows nothing but a blank page.
Government’s Defence
Transport and School Education Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh claims that “everything will be fine” and that accountability across departments is necessary.
But BJP MLA Bhagwan Das Sabnani offered a curious response:
“What do you need money for in yoga? Just spread a mat and start. Yoga needs minimal equipment.”
This trivialization has left citizens and experts skeptical about the state’s commitment to wellness.
Yoga Day 2025: A Global Celebration, Local Irony
As PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Visakhapatnam for Yoga Divas 2025, his call for holistic health and global wellness rang through yoga parks and stadiums. Meanwhile, in MP, the schemes that were supposed to embody this vision remain breathless.
Popular Yoga Day 2025 Search Topics Answered:
- International Yoga Day Theme 2025: Yoga for Self and Society
- Yoga Sangam Certificate: Available through registered AYUSH yoga centres and Sangam campaigns
- International Yoga Day 2025 Wishes: “On this Yoga Day, breathe in peace, breathe out stress. Happy International Yoga Day 2025!”
- Ayush Yoga: Initiative by the Ministry of AYUSH to promote integrated yoga practices across India
- Yoga Day Quotes: “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – Bhagavad Gita
FAQs
Q1. What is the theme of International Yoga Day 2025?
The theme is “Yoga for Self and Society”, focusing on both individual and community well-being.
Q2. Are Yoga Sangam certificates valid for government jobs?
Certificates from AYUSH-registered yoga programs can enhance your wellness profile but are not direct qualifications for government jobs unless specified.
Q3. What happened to the Yoga Centres in Bhopal meant for gas tragedy victims?
Despite a Rs 4 crore allocation, many centres are either locked, unused, or repurposed for events. Instructors and programs are also missing.
Q4. How can I find official yoga centres in Madhya Pradesh?
Currently, the official website www.mpyogaayog.in is not functional. It’s best to contact local municipal offices or AYUSH centres.
Q5. Where did PM Narendra Modi celebrate Yoga Day 2025?
PM Modi led the Yoga Day 2025 event from Visakhapatnam, continuing the tradition of celebrating yoga as India’s global heritage.