Bhubaneswar, June 13: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has urged citizens across the state to actively join the mass yoga campaign organised by the Union Ministry of Ayush on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2026, officials said on Saturday.
The initiative, scheduled for June 14, aims to set a Guinness World Record by bringing together the largest number of participants in a simultaneous online yoga session.

In his appeal, Mahaling highlighted yoga’s transformation into a global health movement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the United Nations’ recognition of June 21 as International Day of Yoga has helped spread its universal message worldwide, making yoga an integral part of millions of lives.

The Minister emphasised that yoga is a scientifically proven practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He pointed out that regular practice can prevent lifestyle-related diseases and promote healthy ageing, which is the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day. “Yoga plays an exceptional role in helping people remain healthy as they age, maintain mental balance and improve quality of life,” he said.

The Ministry of Ayush will host the online session on June 14 from 6:15 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. Participants can register by giving a missed call to the toll-free number 1800-315-7008. The campaign is not merely about setting a record but also about strengthening the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Healthy India’ and transforming yoga into a mass movement.
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Mahaling appealed to doctors, healthcare workers, students, youth, women, government employees, Self-Help Groups, yoga institutions, and citizens at large to join the initiative individually through mobile phones or personal devices. “Let us all come together to make yoga a people’s movement, take a pledge for a healthy life, and ensure that Odisha, along with India, becomes part of this historic Guinness World Record,” he said.

The call reflects Odisha’s commitment to public health and collective participation in national initiatives, reinforcing yoga’s role as a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and holistic living.