Panchkula: Haryana govt job exams to test yoga knowledge, says Saini

Panchkula: Haryana Govt Job Exams to Test Yoga Knowledge, Says Saini

International Yoga Day Celebration and Policy Announcement

Panchkula, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, recently took center stage as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in a massive yoga session at the Parade Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula, on International Yoga Day. The event, attended by thousands of participants, marked a significant step in the state’s efforts to promote yoga as a core component of education and public life. Saini’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to integrating yoga into both academic and professional domains, setting the tone for a broader initiative that will reshape the educational landscape of Panchkula and the state.

The gathering, which included yoga enthusiasts from 16 countries, highlighted the global recognition of yoga’s benefits. Attendees ranged from local students to international professionals, demonstrating yoga’s universal appeal and Panchkula’s role as a hub for cultural and educational exchange. This event was not only a celebration of physical wellness but also a platform to emphasize the holistic value of yoga, aligning with Panchkula’s vision to become a model for integrating traditional practices into modern frameworks.

Yoga in School Curricula and Recruitment Exams

During the event, Saini announced a transformative policy: yoga will be introduced as a mandatory subject in school curricula for students in Classes 3 to 9 starting next academic year. This decision comes as part of a broader plan to institutionalize yoga education across Haryana, with Panchkula serving as a key example of how the state is prioritizing wellness and holistic development. The move is expected to ensure that young learners gain foundational knowledge about yoga’s principles and practices, fostering a lifelong habit of mindfulness and physical health.

Complementing this educational shift, the Haryana government has decided to make yoga a compulsory element in recruitment exams for government jobs. This includes exams conducted by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) and the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). The inclusion of yoga knowledge in these assessments aims to test candidates’ understanding of its benefits, reflecting Panchkula’s growing emphasis on combining traditional wisdom with contemporary governance. The policy is a clear signal that yoga is not just a cultural practice but an essential skill for modern professionals.

Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao, who oversees Haryana’s health and AYUSH departments, expressed her support for the initiative. She highlighted yoga’s deep roots in Indian heritage and its potential to enhance national identity. “Yoga is more than a physical activity—it’s a way of life that promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being,” Rao stated. This sentiment resonates strongly with Panchkula’s community, which has long embraced the city’s reputation as a center for wellness and education.

The program also featured an exhibition by the Haryana Yog Aayog, in collaboration with prominent yoga institutions such as Patanjali Yoga Sansthan and Bharatiya Yoga Sansthan. The display showcased innovative yoga programs, including the launch of the Vriddh Seva evam Swasthya Portal and the Sanjeevani Yoga Programme. These initiatives are designed to provide accessible resources for yoga education, ensuring that even remote areas of Panchkula and beyond benefit from the state’s renewed focus on holistic wellness. The quarterly magazine “Yogmay Haryana” further aims to spread awareness, with its content tailored to the local audience.

Jaideep Arya, chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, led the yoga session, guiding participants through standardized asanas. The event attracted active involvement from various groups, including members of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Publishing House (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Haryana police. This cross-sector participation underscores the city’s role in promoting yoga across diverse communities. Students from the National Institute of Ayurveda and other educational institutions also joined, reinforcing Panchkula’s position as a dynamic center for traditional learning.

Looking ahead, the state plans to establish a new Institute of Naturopathy and Yoga at Morni, offering undergraduate courses in these disciplines. This will provide formal training opportunities for future yoga educators, ensuring consistency in teaching methods. Additionally, five centres of excellence are being developed in Haryana’s universities to advance research and innovation in yoga. These centres will focus on integrating yoga with modern science, further strengthening Panchkula’s reputation as a pioneer in holistic education.