More than 50,000 people participated in a synchronized Surya Namaskar across 108 locations within the state
Gujarat’s first Milestone of 2024 with a Guinness World Record
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat upholds its tradition of leading the way under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel
Modhera Surya Mandir establishes a world record for a synchronized Surya Namaskar session, illuminated by the first sunrise of 2024
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Sports Shri Harsh Sanghavi joined the state-level Surya Namaskar competition
Ministers and officials were present at district centres to motivate participants.
Gandhinagar, 01 January 2024: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat has once again showcased its commitment to being a frontrunner in the field of sports and development in the country. This vision was further emphasized under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel on the first day of the year 2024.
Gujarat achieved a significant milestone as over 50,000 people participated in a collective Surya Namaskar event at 108 different locations, setting India’s first record of 2024 in the Guinness World Records. This remarkable feat shows the unity and dedication of participants, creating a historic moment.
In the esteemed presence of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Sports Shri Harsh Sanghvi, the Gujarat State Yoga Board successfully organised a state-level Mass Surya Namaskar program at the historic Surya Mandir Modhera in the Mehsana district.
The Department of Sports, Youth Services, and Cultural Activities of the Gujarat government organized a month-long Surya Namaskar competition at the village, taluka, district, and municipal corporation levels as part of the Surya Namaskar Abhiyan. CM Shri Bhupendra Patel honoured the winning participants of these competitions by presenting prize money during the state-level Mass Surya Namaskar held at Modhera.
In an address to the gathered yoga practitioners and Surya Namaskar enthusiasts, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel highlighted that under the visionary leadership of global leader Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the magnificence of Indian culture has echoed worldwide. The CM also praised PM Shri Narendra Modi for his key role in promoting Indian culture and yoga globally. The CM credited PM Shri Narendra Modi as the driving force behind the recognition of June 21 as World Yoga Day, propelling the ancient practice of yoga into the international spotlight.
The CM also stated that yoga, prayanam, and Surya Namaskar are age-old Indian traditions with unique contributions to both physical and spiritual well-being, enabling a deep connection with one’s inner self. The CM emphasized that PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable world has been a global inspiration. He pointed to the G-20 summit hosted in India the previous year as evidence of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s dedication to “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, (the belief that the world is one family)
The Chief Minister expressed that the opportunity to worship and pay homage to the Sun at the Surya Mandir would bring joy and enthusiasm into everyone’s lives, bringing new energy and warmth in the New Year. The CM also urged everyone to commit to expanding the reach of yoga, pranayama, and Surya Namaskar, aiming to fulfil the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He expressed the belief that this initiative would pave the way for a healthy and prosperous future during the Amrit Kaal.
Minister of State Shri Harsh Sanghvi highlighted the historic significance of the country’s first-ever collective Surya Namaskar event, held at 108 locations in the state, including Modhera. This collective Surya Namaskar will set a new course for the country and the world. Over the past month, more than 15 million citizens from across the entire state have actively participated in the Surya Namaskar campaign. Today’s state-level felicitation ceremony bears witness to this historic event.
Shri Harsh Sanghavi announced that a world record has been established at 51 different locations in the state on the first day of the year 2024. This historic achievement of mass Surya Namaskar in Gujarat on the first day of 2024 is now acknowledged nationwide. The Minister emphasized that yoga embodies the essence of Indian culture, with Gujarat emerging as a role model in promoting this ancient practice. Shri Harsh Sanghavi encouraged everyone to embrace Surya Namaskar with renewed dedication in the upcoming year. Additionally, he issued a special appeal for the widespread adoption of yoga, particularly in the face of technology’s expansive influence, highlighting its positive impact on life.
Winners of the state-level competition were honoured during the event. In the male category, Kalpesh Savjibhai of Sabarkantha was awarded the first prize, Anilkumar Bhambhaniya of Gir Somnath was awarded the second prize, and Karshan Rathva of Chhota Udepur was awarded the third prize. Among the female participants in the state-level competition, Yaana Vinodkumar Patel of Banaskantha earned the first prize, Drishti Chetankumar Vakhariya of Rajkot received the second prize, and Pooja Ghanshyam Patel of Mehsana was presented with the third prize.
The state-level winners were awarded with prizes amounting to Rs. 2.50 lakh, Rs. 1.75 lakh, and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively.
On this occasion, the Chief Secretary of the Department of Sports Shri Ashwani Kumar, the Commissioner of Youth Services and Cultural Activities Shri Alok Kumar Pandey, the Chairman of the Yoga Board Shri Shishpal Rajput, the District Panchayat President Smt Trusha Patel, MLA Shri Sukhaji Thakore, Shri Girish Rajgor, the District Collector Shri M. Nagarajan, the District Development Officer Dr. Om Prakash, district officials, dignitaries, as well as yoga practitioners, students were present.
