Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh led the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) by participating in a mass yoga session with approximately 1,000 personnel of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters, Shillong, Meghalaya, today.
The event witnessed the participation of Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, and General Officer Commanding, Headquarters 101 Area, Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa, who joined the Defence Minister in performing various yoga asanas and breathing exercises.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajnath Singh described yoga as a holistic science and an art of living that fosters harmony between the individual, society, nature, and the divine. He highlighted yoga’s role in promoting inner stability, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the Defence Minister credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and sustained efforts for transforming yoga into a global movement. He stated that yoga embodies the strength of India’s ancient traditions and continues to contribute to the health and well-being of people worldwide. Shri Rajnath Singh urged citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routines to build a healthy body, a calm mind, and a stronger nation.
Participants at the event also viewed the Prime Minister’s address delivered on the occasion of International Day of Yoga from the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. In addition, yoga sessions were organised at numerous forward locations across the country, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of Armed Forces personnel towards the practice.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani led the International Day of Yoga celebrations organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, along with senior officers and their families, participated in the event.
The widespread observance of International Day of Yoga across military establishments underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to physical fitness, mental well-being, and holistic health, in line with the national vision of promoting yoga as a way of life.
