THE State of Chhattisgarh has secured a prestigious spot in the Golden Book of World Records, thanks to a remarkable display of the ‘Setu Bandh Asana’. On Sunday, more than 2,000 dedicated yoga practitioners from across the State converged at the Late Banbir Juneja Indore Stadium in Budhapara, Raipur, the capital city, to collectively showcase the Setu Bandh Asana, all while forming a stunning replica of the Tricolour. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel extended his hearty congratulations, emphasising, “As long as Chhattisgarh embraces yoga, it will thrive in health.” He underscored that the Setu Bandh Asana acts as a bridge connecting the mind and body. Dr Manish Vishnoi, the Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, declared this record-breaking achievement and presented the provisional certificate to the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission. Representing the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission, Pradeep Sharma emphasised that this accomplishment is historic and aligns with their mission to raise awareness about the significance of yoga and promote a healthy lifestyle.

 

Gyanesh Sharma, Chairman of the State Yoga Commission, highlighted Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s commitment to the citizens’ well-being by initiating nearly 50 free and regular yoga centers across the State. Parliamentary Secretary Vikas Upadhyay extended his best wishes, stating that yoga not only nurtures the body and mind, but also secures wealth. He revealed that free yoga practice centers have been established in over 90% of the wards in his Assembly constituency, in line with the Chief Minister’s vision. Dr Kiranmayi Nayak encouraged all yoga practitioners to share their knowledge by teaching yoga to groups of ten, expressing optimism that they would break more records in the coming years.

 

This collective yoga practice event included various asanas, pranayama, and meditation sessions. The programme witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Kuldeep Juneja, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Housing Board; Chitrarekha Sahu, Vice-President of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board; and members of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission, such as Rajesh Nara, Ravindra Singh, Ganesh Yogi, and Sanskrit Vidya Mandalam Chairman Dr Suresh Sharma. The event also welcomed IG Ratan Lal Dangi and representatives from Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya along with numerous yoga trainers, practitioners and general public.