“Yoga for self and society”: Indian army celebrates 10th International Day of Yoga

Celebrating the timeless practice of oneness and harmony, the Indian Army celebrated 10th International Day of Yoga across the entire length and breadth of our nation. The event witnessed overwhelming participation by serving personnel, their families, children, veterans, NCC cadets, and civilian fraternity at various locations. Yoga was also performed by the soldiers deployed at the freezing heights of Siachen Glacier (UT of Ladakh) in the North to the coastal areas of Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) and offshore islands of Andaman Nicobar. The occasion was also celebrated from areas of Longewala (Rajasthan) and Kachchh (Gujarat) in the West to the mountainous terrain of Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh) and Imphal (Manipur) in the East.

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh joined all ranks and their families for the celebrations in the ancient city of Mathura. General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, was also in attendance.

In Delhi, the International Day of Yoga was commemorated at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, where serving Indian Army personnel, Defence Attaches of Friendly Foreign Countries along with their families and NCC cadets participated. The Yoga session in Delhi was led by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Besides India, the International Day of Yoga was also observed by all Indian Army contingents deployed in United Nations Missions across the globe. The local population participated in the celebration in overwhelming numbers.

The Para athletes of the Army at Army Paralympic Node, the cadets from Army Boys/Girls Sports Company also took part in the International Day of Yoga with lot of vigor and enthusiasm. Elite sportsman participated in the special Yoga sessions oriented towards meditation practices in addition to Common Yoga Protocol promulgated by the Ministry of Ayush.

The local population including students at various educational establishments including the border villages also participated in the celebrations.

Expert Yoga Instructors were incorporated in the event who guided the participants in performing various ‘asanas’ and breathing exercises to promote physical fitness, mental calmness, and spiritual well-being. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society”, resonated deeply in the celebrations with all personnel reinforcing their commitment and responsibilities in serving the nation.

The event marked a decade of global celebration of this old age practice which has cemented its importance across the globe due to the benefits it offers towards physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition which focuses on harmony between mind and body. Indian Army has traditionally recognised the importance of Yoga and has adopted it in its training curriculum on routine fitness activities. Indian Army, as a responsible organisation, has been spreading awareness and wellness of good health through Yoga.