Govt aims to make yoga a way of life for people: CM

Visakhapatnam: Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday announced that the state govt will soon introduce the ‘Visakhapatnam Declaration', which would encompass all activities related to yoga and aims to make yoga a way of life for people.Emphasising that yoga, naturopathy, and ayurveda are ancient treasures of India, he recalled that during the tenure of TDP founder NTR in 1987, the govt introduced the Yoga Dhyana Parishad Act, which brought yoga from private ashrams into formal education system. "We will think logically about how to progress. The state is spending 18,000 crore on health, with around 5,000 crore allocated under NTR Arogya Sri program," he stated.Visakhapatnam Declaration will focus on research, introduction of yoga in schools, promote routine physical activity among the public, and explore the economic benefits of wellness, he said, adding that it is expected to be released within a month or two. As part of the Declaration, the govt will publish a coffee table book for inspiration and create a promotional video to showcase yoga on national and international platforms. "The state govt is already collaborating with the Bill Gates Foundation to establish digital health records through artificial intelligence. This initiative will combine technology and knowledge for preventive health, real-time monitoring, and curative solutions, while focusing on cost-effectiveness," Naidu said.After reviewing the outcomes of the Yoga event, CM Naidu noted that Yogandhra was a resounding success, showcasing the enthusiasm of the people and the blessings of nature. He praised the efforts of various officials, including Chief Secretary Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu, District Collector Harendira Prasad, and DGP Gupta. He commended their use of technology, effective planning, tracking methodologies, and accountability.Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Visakhapatnam to host the 11th edition of International Day of Yoga event, the CM urged people to adopt yoga as a daily practice, emphasising that a healthy, wealthy, and happy Andhra Pradesh is central to the vision of Swarnandhra 2047. "The state govt is committed to equitable development across all regions. Major industries, including Google, TCS, and Cognizant are starting operations in Visakhapatnam. The govt plans to create an economic corridor encompassing Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, and East Godavari districts, which aims to surpass even Mumbai. Additionally, another corridor centred around Tirupati will form the Rayalaseema economic corridor, along with another one based in Amaravati. I am committed to create 20 lakh jobs, not only in DSC but across all depts. We are moving in that direction," he asserted.Noting that responsibility is more important than the methods used to achieve goals, he said power will not guarantee recognition. "What matters is the work you do. Involvement in negative activities will yield negative results. My perspective was always different. Since 1995, I envisioned paths that many did not believe in," he added.