Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said yoga offers a timeless path to inner stability, balance, and wellness amid modern distractions. Speaking at an International Yoga Day event at the Supreme Court, he highlighted yoga’s role in harmonising mind, body, and spirit.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Sunday said that yoga provides a timeless approach to achieving inner stability and balance in a world filled with constant distractions and pressures. He made the remarks while participating in a yoga session organised at the Supreme Court premises to mark International Yoga Day.
The event was held to observe the 12th International Yoga Day, with members of the judiciary, court staff and lawyers joining the Chief Justice in practising yoga. Speaking on the occasion, CJI Kant emphasised that the significance of yoga goes beyond a designated annual celebration and represents an important part of India’s cultural and philosophical heritage.
He said,
“For centuries, our civilisational wisdom has emphasised that true wellness is never just about physical fitness. It is about a harmonious alignment between the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yoga is the practical vehicle for that philosophy, offering a timeless framework to find stillness in an otherwise chaotic world,”
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The Chief Justice explained that traditional Indian wisdom has always viewed health as a comprehensive concept involving mental, physical and spiritual harmony. According to him, yoga serves as a practical method to achieve this balance by helping individuals develop awareness, focus and resilience.
Addressing judges, advocates and Supreme Court employees who participated in the session, CJI Kant spoke about the intense nature of work involved in the administration of justice. He highlighted that the legal profession and judicial system require continuous commitment, often involving long hours and significant mental pressure.
While emphasising the importance of yoga at the workplace, he said,
“We deal with high volumes of work, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure that comes with supporting the administration of justice. This environment inevitably takes a toll on our mental clarity and physical vitality. In such a scenario, it is easy to neglect our health when professional responsibilities take over,”
The CJI noted that maintaining personal well-being is especially important for those working in demanding professional environments. He said that yoga can help individuals manage stress, improve concentration and maintain the energy required to perform their responsibilities effectively.
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Rejecting the common belief that yoga requires advanced flexibility or extensive free time, CJI Kant said that even small and consistent practices can have meaningful benefits.
He said,
“I am myself still a learner when it comes to yoga, yet I can say with certainty that even a few minutes of conscious breathing or basic stretching can dramatically alter how you handle stress. It stabilises the mind, improves focus, and builds the physical resilience we need to sustain our demanding schedules. Nurturing our well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessary investment in ourselves and in the institution we serve,”
The Chief Justice further stated that International Yoga Day should not remain limited to a single occasion each year. Instead, it should encourage people to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into their everyday routines.
He said,
“International Yoga Day is an excellent opportunity to spark a transition, a moment to step onto the mat and commit to making this a regular habit. True benefits do not come from a once-a-year exercise; they come from consistency. Let this day be the starting point for a healthier routine, whether that means ten minutes of morning meditation or a short stretching routine evening after work,”
CJI Kant encouraged the participants to carry forward the message of the session beyond the Supreme Court premises and adopt healthier practices in both professional and personal lives.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Supreme Court Registry team for organising the programme smoothly and effectively. He urged court employees to apply the lessons from the session in their daily routines.
He said,
“Let us make health and mindfulness a priority, not just today, but every day,”
The event reflected the growing recognition of wellness practices within high-pressure professional institutions and highlighted yoga’s role as a tool for improving physical health, mental clarity and overall well-being.