26-07-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of the Closing Ceremony of the “Vedic Manas Yoga” Programme Held at Lok Bhavan.
Jai Hind!
Param Adarniya Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev Ji, Acharya Balkrishna Ji, distinguished scholars from Patanjali Yogpeeth, respected guests, teachers, parents, my dear students, ladies and gentlemen,
My warm greetings to all of you.
It gives me immense pleasure to be present among you today at the Vedic Manas Yoga programme being held at Lok Bhavan. Uttarakhand is the sacred land of Yoga and spirituality. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, our State is also a living centre of India’s eternal tradition of knowledge, which has shown the world the path to achieving harmony between the body, mind and soul.
Friends,
The present era offers unprecedented opportunities, but it also presents significant challenges. Technology has accelerated our lives, but along with this rapid pace, issues such as mental stress, anxiety, lack of concentration and emotional imbalance have also increased considerably. Of particular concern is the fact that these challenges are now becoming increasingly evident among our children and youth. At such a time, an initiative like Vedic Manas Yoga is not merely a yoga programme; it has emerged as a powerful medium for the holistic development of the mind, intellect and personality.
I am especially pleased to learn that this initiative, which began in 2014, has now evolved into a well-structured programme for students across the country. More than 5,000 students have already undergone this training, and positive transformations have been observed in their lives. The most remarkable aspect of this programme is that it is not based merely on experience but is also supported by scientific research.
Friends,
I have been informed that three scientific studies on Vedic Manas Yoga have been published so far, placing it among the rare programmes in India where brain-training methodologies have been rigorously evaluated through scientific research. In the first study, children between the ages of five and fifteen participated in a three-day practice programme. The findings revealed significant improvements in their mental, social and spiritual well-being, along with an approximately 22 per cent increase in their inner awareness.
The second study, conducted on 179 schoolchildren, found an improvement of nearly 52 per cent in their cognitive abilities. It also reported reductions in anxiety, emotional instability and negative behaviour, while cooperation, discipline and positive behaviour increased significantly.
The largest study involved 571 adolescent students. After just three days of training, substantial improvements were recorded in their intellectual capacity, mental health, self-confidence, emotional balance and positive outlook towards life.
Friends,
It is indeed encouraging that our ancient Vedic wisdom is being tested on the touchstone of modern science, and its positive outcomes are being recognised globally. India’s knowledge tradition has always maintained that the mind is both the cause of bondage and the path to liberation. Today, science too is affirming this timeless truth.
Across the world, serious attention is being devoted to mental health, emotional intelligence and brain development. In this age of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence and intense competition, the greatest challenge is not merely acquiring information, but cultivating a stable mind, making sound decisions and maintaining balance amidst changing circumstances.
I firmly believe that the greatest competition of the 21st century will not be in technology alone, but in mental resilience, decision-making ability and emotional stability. The nation whose youth possess the strongest and most disciplined minds will emerge as a global leader.
India realised this truth centuries ago. Our sages regarded the mind as the force that determines the direction of life. As the ancient Sanskrit verse says:
“Mana Eva Manushyanam Karanam Bandha Mokshayoh”
The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation.
Today, modern science is acknowledging the very same truth, albeit in different words.
Therefore, it gives me great satisfaction that Vedic Manas Yoga is not only reviving our ancient heritage but also validating it through scientific research. When the effectiveness of an Indian knowledge tradition is established through research and scientific evidence, it becomes not merely India’s heritage, but a valuable gift to all humanity.
Friends,
I believe that if our schools pay equal attention to students’ mental and emotional well-being alongside personality development, we will nurture not only successful students but also compassionate, confident and responsible citizens.
Our objective should not be limited to skill development alone; it should equally emphasise mind development and character development. The vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 can be realised only when our youth are physically healthy, mentally balanced, intellectually capable and morally steadfast.
The National Education Policy 2020 also places strong emphasis on the holistic development of students. The purpose of education is not merely to secure high marks in examinations, but to shape individuals who are intellectually enriched, morally upright, emotionally balanced and deeply conscious of their responsibilities towards the nation.
If schools accord equal importance to nurturing the mind along with imparting knowledge, we will build a generation that is not only professionally successful but also compassionate citizens, capable leaders and committed nation-builders. This is the true foundation of Viksit Bharat @2047.
I am confident that the Vedic Manas Yoga programme developed by Patanjali Yogpeeth will, in the years ahead, reach schools and educational institutions across the country and play a significant role in the holistic development of our younger generation.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Patanjali Yogpeeth, all the researchers, teachers and organisers associated with this programme. I also urge all students to regard yoga not merely as an exercise, but as a way of life. A healthy body, a peaceful mind and an awakened consciousness form the foundation of a strong individual, a strong society and a strong nation.
Let us all resolve that yoga will not remain confined to physical exercise alone, but will become an art of living. Let us strive to give our children not only better careers, but also stronger character, nobler thinking and higher consciousness. For when the mind is healthy, society becomes healthy; and when society is healthy, the nation becomes strong.
With these best wishes, I once again commend this innovative initiative of Patanjali Yogpeeth and express my confidence that Vedic Manas Yoga will bring positive transformation to the lives of millions of students across India in the years to come.
Thank you very much.
Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!