CM Chandrababu Unveils Yogandhra Portal, Announces Statewide Yoga Expansion Measures

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced a series of initiatives aimed at expanding the practice of yoga across the state, including the launch of a dedicated Yogandhra Portal , the establishment of permanent yoga halls, and the appointment of officials to oversee yoga-related activities at various administrative levels.

The announcements were made during the state government's large-scale Yogandhra celebrations held at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga . The Chief Minister participated in yoga and pranayama sessions alongside yoga guru Baba Ramdev and thousands of participants.

Addressing the gathering, Chandrababu Naidu said regular practice of yoga, meditation and pranayama could significantly improve public health and reduce dependence on hospitals. He stressed that yoga should not be treated as a one-day event but embraced as a way of life.

As part of the state's long-term yoga promotion strategy, the Chief Minister announced that permanent yoga halls would be established in ward secretariat offices located in all designated Swarna Gramams . Special officers will be appointed at district and mandal levels to monitor yoga-related activities, while an expert committee will be constituted to develop standardised guidelines for yoga practice and training.

He said the upcoming Yogandhra Portal would serve as a platform to provide yoga-related information, resources and training to the public. Chandrababu Naidu also announced that Andhra Pradesh plans to host the 2027 International Day of Yoga celebrations in Tirupati.

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping secure global recognition for yoga, noting that International Day of Yoga is now observed across nearly 190 countries. He said India had the capacity to guide the world through its cultural and spiritual traditions and described the country as a "Vishwaguru".

Highlighting the need to combine technological advancement with spiritual well-being, he said yoga could play a vital role in building a healthier and happier Andhra Pradesh.

Recalling the success of the Yogandhra-2025 programme organised earlier in Visakhapatnam, the Chief Minister said the state had created multiple world records in the presence of the Prime Minister. He added that more than one crore people were currently practising yoga through around 1.3 lakh centres across Andhra Pradesh.

Chandrababu Naidu also urged citizens to move away from junk food and adopt organic dietary habits. He said the state government was promoting chemical-free natural farming as part of its efforts to increase green cover and announced that the proposed Sanjeevani Project , scheduled to be launched across the state from August 15, would integrate yoga as a key component.

The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Srinivasa Varma, along with state ministers, students and youth participants.

The stadium witnessed a spiritually themed atmosphere with devotional chants and yoga demonstrations. Baba Ramdev guided participants through breathing exercises, including Anulom Vilom pranayama, while his disciples showcased advanced yoga postures on stage.

Praising the Chief Minister, Ramdev described Chandrababu Naidu as a "Karmayogi" and said he had maintained a consistent yoga practice for nearly three decades. He also hailed him as a visionary leader and an inspiration for yoga practitioners.

The celebrations were organised in line with this year's United Nations theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" , with yoga programmes conducted at major tourist destinations and pilgrimage centres across Andhra Pradesh. Officials said the state-wide Yogandhra events concluded successfully with widespread public participation.