Ensure flawless arrangements for Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam on June 21, says Naidu

Participants performing yogasanas at the Orvakal Rock Garden in Kurnool district on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: U. Subramanyam

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming public response to the International Yoga Day celebrations to be held across Andhra Pradesh on June 21.

Reviewing the preparations for the day on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu noted the encouraging registration figures and enthusiastic participation in the yoga practice sessions across districts.

The State’s ambitious goal was to create a Guinness World Record by organising the largest-ever yoga gathering with full public involvement and meticulous planning, he said.

“The government has set a target of involving five lakh participants in Visakhapatnam on June 21. Also, the government aims at a zero inconvenience policy. All traffic and logistical challenges must be proactively addressed, especially in the light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Clear guidance should be given in advance to the attendees from all the regions, regarding where to go and participate,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Naidu said that two major pre-events should be organised to mobilise and prepare the public. On June 7, awareness rallies should be taken out in every village and locality. On June 14, mass yoga sessions should be conducted at one-lakh locations across the State, including in all the educational institutions.

Mr. Naidu said that public awareness and engagement must peak ahead of the main event, ensuring people were motivated, informed, and ready to participate with full energy.

The officials briefed the Chief Minister on the events conducted so far as part of the Yoga Month, and the diverse daily themed activities being held in the districts, which received positive feedback. “Contingency plans are in place should there be rain. An additional covered venue using German hangars has been prepared to avoid disruption,” they said.

Special Chief Secretary (Health) M.T. Krishna Babu said that yoga registrations were coming in from every village. “Registrations have exceeded the expectations, with 1.77 crore people already registered out of the two crore target. Those participating for three days will automatically receive yoga participation certificates, also available via app. The participants include students, women, SHG members, and the general public from diverse backgrounds,” he said.

The State identified 5,353 master trainers (target was 2,600), who had already trained 1.48 lakh individuals (surpassing the 1.25 lakh target). Yoga competitions also met their intended participation goals, he added.