Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Highlights Yoga’s Role in Building Mental Strength and Balanced Society

New Delhi, June 21, 2026: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a yoga session with Members of Parliament at the Parliament House Complex on the occasion of International Day of Yoga, highlighting the importance of yoga in maintaining mental peace, emotional balance and a disciplined lifestyle.

Addressing the participants, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that yoga represents India’s timeless knowledge tradition and has given the world a path towards physical wellbeing, inner peace and harmony. He stated that yoga is not only a practice for the body but also a way to balance thoughts, emotions and actions.

Om Birla emphasised that differences of opinion are a natural part of democracy, but constructive dialogue requires patience, self-control and mental balance. He said yoga teaches exactly these qualities, helping individuals develop calmness and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations.

Highlighting the historical significance of yoga, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that India’s sages and scholars preserved and developed this ancient tradition over centuries, transforming it into a complete way of life. He noted that while yoga has now become a global movement, its roots remain connected to India’s civilisational heritage.

He said that in today’s fast-paced world, people face increasing challenges related to stress, uncertainty and lifestyle imbalance. Yoga, he added, provides a simple, accessible and scientific approach to improving mental wellbeing and maintaining emotional stability.

The Lok Sabha Speaker stressed that yoga should not be viewed only as a fitness activity but as a means of developing character, awareness and personality. Regular practice, he said, improves decision-making ability and helps individuals lead a more balanced life.

Calling healthy citizens the greatest strength of a strong democracy, Om Birla said that adopting yoga as a daily habit could contribute significantly to public health and social wellbeing. He encouraged citizens, especially the younger generation, to integrate yoga into their lifestyles to manage stress and maintain balance in the digital age.

He also highlighted the role of public representatives in spreading awareness about yoga and encouraging communities to adopt healthier habits. According to him, just as democracy requires continuous participation and responsibility, yoga also needs consistent practice beyond symbolic occasions.

Describing yoga as more than India’s soft power, Om Birla said it is India’s responsibility towards humanity. He appealed to citizens to move beyond celebrating yoga on a single day and make it a year-round commitment for better health, harmony and self-discipline.

The session at the Parliament House Complex reflected the broader message of International Day of Yoga — that wellbeing is closely connected with personal discipline, social harmony and the creation of a healthier society.