ITANAGAR, 21 Jun: Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) by holding several sessions across the state, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu saying that “yoga unites all in strength, discipline and wellness.”
Leading the state-level celebrations in Jang in Tawang district, Khandu joined schoolchildren, personnel of the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), public representatives, officials and locals in a mass yoga session.
“Incredible energy at Jang as we celebrated International Day of Yoga with school children, the Indian Army, CAPF personnel, BRO, public representatives, officials and citizens. Yoga unites us in strength, discipline and wellness,” he said on X after the programme.
The chief minister described yoga as India’s timeless gift to humanity and said it offers a path to physical well-being, mental clarity and inner peace.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has evolved into a global movement, inspiring millions of people worldwide to adopt a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Khandu urged people to make yoga a part of their daily routine and work collectively towards building a healthier, happier and more harmonious society.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein participated in a yoga session here, along with Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona and others.
In a social media post, Mein said yoga nurtures the body, calms the mind and awakens the soul, while promoting balance, resilience and inner peace.
Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, he called upon people to embrace the transformative power of yoga and adopt practices that promote vitality, well-being and graceful ageing.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly observed the day with a special yoga session at the Assembly complex.
MLA Hayeng Mangfi, Assembly Secretary Tadar Meena, Joint Secretary K Jugli, along with officers and staff of the Assembly, participated in the programme.
In Lower Siang district, the 12th IDY was celebrated with enthusiasm in Likabali on Sunday.
The event witnessed active participation of government officials, public representatives, and members of the community.
The programme was attended by Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, along with ADC Mokar Riba, and SP Bomken Basar. District officers, BJP karyakartas, and Mahila Morcha members also participated in the event, highlighting the importance of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Organised by the District AYUSH Society, in collaboration with the district administration, the programme was held at the government higher secondary school auditorium.
The participants emphasised the significance of incorporating yoga into daily life to promote a healthier, more balanced, and harmonious society.
The celebration underscored the role of yoga in enhancing overall well-being and supporting healthy ageing.
The yoga session was conducted by Binyak Chisi, who guided the participants through various yoga practices and exercises.
Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) in Pasighat in East Siang district observed the IDY with a yoga session held on the campus.
Registrar Narmi Darang participated in the event, along with employees, faculty members, staff, and students of the university.
This year’s International Day of Yoga was observed under the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’.
The session included common yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation, conducted under the guidance of yoga instructors.
APU Assistant Registrar (Academics) Likha Rinchinspoke about the relevance of the programme. He said that yoga helps in maintaining physical and mental well-being, and encouraged the university community to make it a part of their daily routine.
He said also that this year’s theme on healthy ageing is relevant for people across age groups, from students to senior employees.
In Upper Subansiri district, the IDY was celebrated in headquarters Daporijo.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of government officials, PRI members, students, NGOs, religious leaders, and members of the public.
The event was attended by Daporijo MLA Taniya Soki, Nacho MLA Nakap Nalo, and Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, along with HoDs and other dignitaries.
The programme featured a mass yoga session aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and a healthy lifestyle.
The yoga demonstration and practice session was conducted by Miju Nayam of the Art of Living, who guided the participants through various yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques.
The programme was organised by the District Health Society, in coordination with various departments and stakeholders.
The IDY was celebrated also in Tawang district at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium, in collaboration with the 190 Mountain Brigade, Tawang.
Among the attendees were Industries Minister Nyato Dukam, Tezu MLA Dr Mohesh Chai, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, and others.
Addressing the gathering, Dukam highlighted the transformative power of yoga in harmonising physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual energy. He encouraged everyone to adopt yoga as a daily practice for leading a healthier, more balancedand mindful life.
“Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a way of life that unites the body, mind, and soul,” he said.
The DC in her address underscored the significance of yoga in promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and fostering harmony within society. She appreciated the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the 190 Mountain Brigade, for the successful organisation of the event.
The yoga session witnessed enthusiastic participation of government officials, security personnel, students, and citizens from different walks of life.
In Upper Siang, the District AYUSH Society joined the global celebration of the IDY on Sunday in headquarters Yingkiong.
The programme witnessed the participation of local MLA Alo Libang, government officers, public leaders, teachers, students from various schools, and members of the public.
Addressing the gathering, Libang emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life to maintain spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. He noted that yoga offers a holistic approach to healthy ageing and helps individuals lead active, youthful, and fulfilling lives.
District Reproductive and Child Health Officer Dr Andeng Sitek highlighted the significance of observing the IDY.
The yoga session was conducted by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya Yingkiong Headmistress Obul Boli.
Meanwhile, the Spearhead Division of the Indian Army organised a mass yoga session in Tuting, bringing together soldiers, veterans, civil administration officials, schoolchildren and local residents in a collective celebration of wellness, discipline and national unity.
In East Kameng district, the IDY was celebrated by the district administration, in collaboration with the AYUSH Mission Society, in Seppa.
The programme, which was inaugurated by Seppa East MLA Ealing Tallang in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Yashaswini B, witnessed enthusiastic participation of heads of departments, PRI leaders, government officials and staff, senior citizens, students, yoga practitioners, and members of the public.
Trained yoga instructors conducted the Common Yoga Protocol session, demonstrating various yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques while highlighting the importance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, stress management, and healthy ageing.
The IDY was also celebrated with great enthusiasm in West Siang district headquarters Aalo on Sunday.
The programme was organised by the District AYUSH Society, in collaboration with the district administration, MY Bharat, and the Art of Living’s district unit.
AYUSH district nodal officer Dr Gerik Jinihighlighted the significance of yoga in promoting physical and mental well-being.
Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jiniemphasised the importance of practicing yoga regularly, saying that yoga promotes peace, mental stability, and overall well-being.
Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi encouraged the participants to adopt yoga as a daily practice, saying that regular yoga practice helps keep the mind and the body active, healthy, and focused, enabling individuals to serve society better and lead happier family lives.
A yoga session was conducted under the guidance of Reena Doji, Kompu Loya Ete, Kirjum Basar Sora, and Yukbin Diyum.
Members of the state BJP also participated in the IDY at the Khelo India Indoor Badminton Stadium in Itanagar.
The programme witnessed the participation of state BJP president Kaling Moyong, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Education Minister PD Sona, MLAs Chow Zingnu Namchoom and Topin Ete, senior party leaders, office bearers, karyakartas, and members of the public.
The event commenced with a mass yoga session led by trained instructors, where participants performed various yoga asanas and breathing exercises in line with this year’s theme promoting holistic health and well-being.
Addressing the media on the occasion, Moyong emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life. He stated that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a way of life that helps individuals achieve harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
He urged citizens, especially the younger generation, to embrace yoga as a daily habit and not confine its practice to a single day of celebration. He noted that in today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle-related diseases are increasing, yoga serves as a powerful tool for maintaining good health and enhancing overall quality of life.
Mein described yoga as one of the most valuable treasures of India’s ancient civilisation. He said that yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years and continues to guide people.
Sona and other leaders also highlighted the significance of yoga in promoting a healthy lifestyle,and encouraged people to dedicate a few minutes every day to the practice of yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Meanwhile, spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living (AoL) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called upon people everywhere to recommit themselves to building a healthier, happier, and more harmonious society through the practice of yoga.
Addressing millions of yoga enthusiasts across the world on the occasion of the IDY, Shankar said, “Yoga gives you energy and resilience to take up challenges.”
Highlighting the growing mental health challenges facing societies worldwide, he emphasised that yoga offers a much-needed solution to strengthen individual well-being and collective resilience.
Urging people to make yoga a part of everyday life, Shankar further said, “This highest wisdom that the human race has been bestowed with for centuries needs to be brought to every home, to every human being.”
Thousands of participants joined IDY celebrations organised by the Art of Living across Arunachal.
AoL teachers and volunteers conducted yoga and meditation sessions at a wide range of government institutions, educational establishments, security forces, and community centres across the state.
Programmes were held at the state secretariat, the Arunachal Pradesh State Legislative Assembly, Administrative Training Institute, Naharlagun, National Highways Office, ITBP headquarters in Itanagar, Kalimandir in Naharlagun, and district administration offices in Kamle and Daporijo.
Special events were also organised in collaboration with the district administration and tourism department in Pasighat (East Siang), the GHSSs in Pesseng village (West Siang), and Ganga, in association with the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, and EMRS Lumla, with support from the Lumla administration.
Additional programmes were conducted at Hari village, and with personnel of the 2nd Battalion in Aalo and the Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army in West Kameng district.
The celebration in Hari village witnessed enthusiastic participation of local residents and community leaders, including ZPM Tasso Biiney (Odii).
Led by Sri Sri Yoga, under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, the AoL’s International Day of Yoga celebrations reached diverse communities across India and around the world through collaborations with government institutions, corporates, educational institutions, armed forces, and community organisations.
From the sacred river ghats to the Himalayas, from bustling malls to prisons, and from stadiums to schools, colleges, and universities, the Art of Living brought millions together through yoga and meditation sessions conducted across the country.
In Kolkata, more than 3,500 AoL volunteers joined the national celebrations at Red Road, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Across the country, programmes were organised for ITBP personnel in Itanagar, members of the Raj Bhavan and the Bihar High Court, inmates and staff across prisons and old-age homes in 22 districts of Jharkhand, Bank of Baroda employees at over 40 locations, inmates at Yerwada and Jabalpur central jails, Army personnel in Punjab, Air Force station Bamrauli in Prayagraj, and persons with disabilities in Bengaluru, in collaboration with Young Indians (Yi), among many others.
The celebrations also resonated globally, with AoL volunteers and Sri Sri Yoga teachers leading programmes across several countries.
From Ukrainian soldiers practising saurya mamaskars and pranayama to sessions conducted at the Indian Embassy in Italy, Brussels, Kyoto in Japan, Hanoi in Vietnam, and the iconic Times Square in New York City, yoga continued to serve as a bridge for health, harmony, and human connection across cultures.
In Papum Pare district, the IDY was observed at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, District Medical Officer Dr Reena Ronya, DRCHO Dr Tomar Kamki, officers, students of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya and PM Shri UPS Yupia, ITBP personnel, and staff from the DC and DMO offices participated in the programme.
The yoga session was led by Toko Nonia, along with her team of physiotherapists. The participants engaged in various yoga exercises and breathing techniques, highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and holistic health.
The DC then administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge for a drug-free society to all the participants, emphasising the importance of a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
In East Siang district, the Department of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the district administration, organised ‘Prana Silluk 2026’ at the general groundin Silluk to commemorate the IDY.
An initiative of Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing, the event was organised under the theme ‘Breathe Pure. Nourish the Soul. Experience Silluk’, highlighting the importance of holistic well-being, environmental stewardship and community participation.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of public representatives, government officials, community leaders, local residents and yoga enthusiasts, who gathered at Silluk – widely recognised as a model village for cleanliness and sustainability – to celebrate the spirit of wellness and harmonious living.
A key highlight of the event was the active participation of Tasing, who joined in performing yoga alongside the participants.
The event featured a mass yoga session, a green pledge and a tree plantation drive, underscoring the importance of physical and mental well-being while encouraging environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The programme was attended also by MLA Tapi Darang, the ZPC, HoDs, HoOs, public representatives, district officials and members of the local community.
The H-Spring Foundation, in collaboration with the East Siang District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), celebrated the IDY with great enthusiasm at Dikingin Pasighat.
Retired medical superintendent Dr Y Darang highlighted the health benefits of doing yoga every day, while Mirku village HGB O Dupak highlighted the significance of the day and the role of yoga in fostering overall well-being.
Advocate Sunny Tayeng spoke on the Legal Service Unit for Children scheme, and highlighted the rights of children and the role of legal aid institutions in promoting social welfare and child development.
Yoga teacher Pema Lama from Sri Sri Vidya Mandir, Pasighat conducted a yoga session, demonstrating various yoga postures, breathing exercises, surya namaskar and meditation techniques.
Students and staff of H-Spring Integrated School, parents, and representatives of the DLSA took part in the session.
Dera Natung Government College in Itanagar also observed the IDY at the college auditorium.
Around 50 participants, including members of the college’s Yoga and Wellness Centre, Seva Bharti, faculty members, and NCC volunteers participated in the session. The session featured various yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation aimed at enhancing physical fitness and mental wellness.
The college’s Principal, Dr MQ Khan, emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle through yoga.
The programme was organised by the Yoga and Wellness Centre of the college, in collaboration with Seva Bharti.
In Namsai, the IDY was at observed at the Hochayan Poi-Pee-Mau ground with great enthusiasm with the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’.
Yoga instructor Sunita Sonar conducted a demonstration session, explaining the health benefits of different yoga postures, breathing techniques, and their role in promoting balanced, healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
Rajyoga trainer from Delhi BK Rakesh elaborated the seven virtues fostered through yoga and meditation- peace, purity, happiness, knowledge, bliss, power, and love – through a short video. He also highlighted how meditation helps eliminate negative thoughts and energy while promoting harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Namsai DC CR Khampa, ZPC Chow Sujana Namchoom, SP S Thinley, officers and jawans from the CRPF and Assam Rifles, personnel from the fire services, government employees, and students participated in the programme.
The Health & Family Welfare Department celebrated the IDY at the TRIHMS auditorium in Naharlagun.
The event witnessed a large gathering, comprising officers and officials of the Health Department,faculty members and students of the TRIHMS, and members of the public.
The programme featured mass yogasana demonstrations in accordance with the Common Yoga Protocol developed by the Union AYUSH Ministry.
The session was led by experienced yoga instructors from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living, Jollang, and lasted for 45 minutes, during which participants actively engaged in performing various yogasanas.
Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) also celebrated the IDY with great enthusiasm under the theme ‘Yoga Sangam’ at the university’s old auditorium in Rono Hills. More than 300 participants actively took part in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session.
Addressing the gathering, RGU Vice-Chancellor (i/c) Prof SK Nayak emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life, and encouraged the younger generation to adopt healthy habits, maintain self-discipline, and remain free from harmful practices such as substance abuse.
Registrar Dr NT Rikam highlighted the significance of regular yoga practice in achieving physical fitness, mental peace, and healthy ageing.
He encouraged the university community to adopt yoga as an integral part of their daily routine.
Physical Education Assistant Director Dr A Yuvaraj highlighted the importance of yoga as a holistic way of life, and outlined the various signature activities organised by the university during the countdown period leading up to the International Day of Yoga.
The programme also featured live streaming of the prime minister’s address on the occasion of the 12th IDY.
Faculty members, administrative officers, teaching and non-teaching staffers, research scholars, alumni, students, and personnel of the 31st Battalion, Indo-Tibetan Border Police also attended the programme.
The CYP session was conducted by Physical Education and Sports Science guest faculty (yoga)Rikpu Kamcham, along with students of the university’s yoga diploma programme.
As part of the IDY 2026 countdown activities, RGU had organised several programmes, including a yoga quiz competition, yogasana competition, and common yoga protocol sessions for NCC and NSS volunteers. The winners of these activities were felicitated with prizes, medals, trophies, and certificates during the Yoga Sangam celebration.
Global University in Itanagar also celebrated the IDY at the university auditorium.
The yoga session was conducted by the university’s Associate Professor Gebi Basar, a certified yoga trainer from the Art of Living.
Global University’s Pro-Chancellor Dr JP Sharma highlighted the benefits of regular yoga practice, and encouraged everyone to adopt yoga as a part of their daily routine for a healthier and more balanced life.
Registrar Dr PK Choudhary stated that yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a way of life.
Faculty members, officers, staffers, and students of the university attended the programme.
In Tirap district, the Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles celebrated the International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm at the battalion headquarters on Sunday.
Army officials, junior commissioned officers and troops participated in a series of yoga sessions, performing various asanas, pranayama, and meditation exercises under the guidance of trained instructors.
A yoga awareness session was also conducted to educate the personnel on the long-term health benefits of incorporating yoga into their daily routines. (With inputs from PTI and DIPROs)
