Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Tuesday urged people, particularly the youth, to make Yoga part of their daily routine, avoid substance abuse and contribute towards the goal of a ‘Developed India’ and ‘Developed Rajasthan’. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 51st Sub-Junior and Junior National Yogasana Sports Championship at Alankar PG College in Jaipur, Sharma described Yoga as an important part of India’s cultural heritage and a practice that promotes a healthy, disciplined and balanced lifestyle.

Sharma said Yoga can help improve concentration, strengthen decision-making abilities and promote positivity. He described it as an accessible means of supporting both physical and mental well-being at a time when changing lifestyles and health-related challenges are affecting people across the world. The Chief Minister also referred to the global popularity of Yoga and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts and diplomacy with the United Nations declaration of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. He said Yoga, meditation and pranayama have become part of the daily routines of millions worldwide.

Emphasising the role of young people in achieving the goal of ‘Developed India 2047’, Sharma outlined several initiatives aimed at improving education, employment and opportunities for youth in Rajasthan. He said Atal Gyan Kendras are being established in villages with facilities such as online classes and e-libraries, while sports grounds are being developed in every panchayat. According to Sharma, the state government has provided appointments to 1.93 lakh posts, recruitment for another 1.18 lakh posts is underway and a recruitment calendar covering 1.25 lakh posts has been released. He also said five lakh young people have received employment in the private sector.

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The Chief Minister said a language centre had been launched in Jaipur to teach five foreign languages to young people seeking employment opportunities abroad. He also alleged that paper leaks had occurred frequently during the previous government’s tenure, while claiming that no such incident had taken place under the present administration. Sharma urged candidates preparing for competitive examinations to continue working hard and assured them that the government would protect their aspirations.

Sharma also outlined measures to strengthen sports infrastructure and support athletes in the state. He said Rajasthan has released the Rajasthan Youth Policy-2025 and announced that the Rajasthan TOPS scheme has been implemented to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. Seventeen new Khelo India Centres are being established across the state, while grants totalling Rs 40.12 crore have been sanctioned for 1,786 athletes. He said the government aims to develop Rajasthan as a leading state in sports at the national and international levels.

During the ceremony, Sharma honoured the winners of the National Yogasana Championship. West Bengal secured first place, followed by Haryana in second and Maharashtra in third, with trophies presented to the respective teams. The Rajasthan team also presented a musical Yogasana performance. MP Rao Rajendra Singh, Alankar PG College Chairman Lalchand Kataria, Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Sapera, Asian Yoga Federation President Ashok Kumar Agarwal, elected representatives, yoga federation delegates and participants from across the country attended the event.

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