Vijayawada: In a significant step towards promoting holistic health and wellness, the city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh has launched a month-long yoga training programme in the run-up to International Yoga Day 2025, which is celebrated globally on June 21. The campaign, which began in the third week of May, is being organised by local health departments in collaboration with yoga institutions and community organisations.
The initiative aims to foster greater awareness about the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga. It includes free daily training sessions held at public parks, community halls, schools, and wellness centres across the city. Certified yoga instructors are leading these sessions, offering guidance on various asanas, breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation practices.
Officials from the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation stated that the campaign is designed to involve citizens from all walks of life, including students, working professionals, senior citizens, and homemakers. Special attention is being given to make the programme inclusive and accessible, with sessions held in the early morning and evening to accommodate different schedules.
The month-long drive will culminate in a grand public yoga demonstration on June 21, marking International Yoga Day. Thousands of participants are expected to gather for this large-scale event, which will be held at a prominent venue in the city. The finale will also feature speeches by wellness experts, cultural programmes, and distribution of educational materials on healthy living.
Speaking about the initiative, a senior official from the Andhra Pradesh Health Department said, “Yoga is a time-tested practice that enhances physical health, reduces stress, and promotes inner peace. This training drive not only prepares our citizens for International Yoga Day but also encourages long-term adoption of healthier habits.”
Several schools and colleges in the region have made participation in the training sessions part of their summer activity schedules. Additionally, awareness drives are being conducted through local media and social media platforms to encourage maximum participation.
Residents have responded positively, with many reporting improvements in flexibility, concentration, and stress management after just a few sessions. Participants have also appreciated the opportunity to engage in group activity after months of pandemic-induced restrictions.
The state government has been actively promoting yoga as part of its public health initiatives, and this training programme is viewed as an extension of that commitment. Health experts believe that sustained yoga practice can reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and improve mental well-being across populations.
With enthusiastic participation from the community and strong institutional support, Vijayawada’s yoga drive is set to make International Yoga Day 2025 a memorable and impactful occasion.
