Itanagar, Jun 21: Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Sunday, with thousands of people participating in programmes organized across the state under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing."
From the state capital to remote border regions, public representatives, security personnel, students, government officials and citizens came together to promote the message of holistic health, wellness and harmony.
One of the major celebrations was held at Jang in Tawang district, where Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in a mass yoga session alongside school children, personnel of the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), public representatives, government officials and local residents.
Sharing his message on the occasion, Khandu said the event reflected the unifying spirit of yoga and its ability to bring people together through strength, discipline and wellness.
"Incredible energy at Jang as we celebrated the 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. It is India's enduring gift to the world," the Chief Minister said.
He expressed gratitude to all participants and appreciated the efforts of international certified Yoga teacher Kesang Lhamu for leading the yoga session and inspiring people to adopt yoga as a way of life. Khandu also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian Army, BRO, CAPFs, district administration, community members and volunteers in making the event a success.
At Lok Bhavan in Itanagar, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik and Health Minister Biyuram Wahge participated in a yoga programme organized by the Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU), Ziro, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the International Day of Yoga as a global acknowledgement of India's timeless civilizational wisdom. He said yoga has emerged as a universal pathway to holistic health and well-being, offering a simple, cost-effective and sustainable approach to preventive healthcare in an era marked by stress, anxiety and lifestyle-related disorders.
Referring to the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," Parnaik said yoga helps people of all age groups maintain physical fitness, mental alertness, emotional well-being and independence throughout life. He encouraged citizens, particularly youth and senior citizens, to make yoga an integral part of their daily routine.
The Governor also distributed copies of his booklet, Yoga for Common Health Challenges, among participants.
In Tawang town, the District Administration and the 190 Mountain Brigade jointly organized a yoga programme at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium. The event was attended by Industries, Textile & Handicrafts, Labour & Employment and IPR Minister Nyato Dukam, Tezu MLA Dr Mohesh Chai, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, Brigadier Bhupal Singh and hundreds of participants.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nyato Dukam highlighted yoga's transformative role in harmonizing physical health, mental well-being and spiritual energy, while Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo stressed its importance in reducing stress and promoting social harmony.
In Lower Siang district, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated at Likabali with active participation from public representatives and government officials. The programme, organized by the District Ayush Society in collaboration with the district administration at the Government Higher Secondary School auditorium, was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kardo Nyigyor, ADC Mokar Riba, SP Bomken Basar, district officers, BJP karyakartas, Mahila Morcha members and members of the public.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of lamps and was followed by a yoga session led by instructor Binyak Chisi. Speakers highlighted the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
West Siang district marked the day at Gumin Kinn, Aalo, with Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini urging people to practice yoga regularly for peace, mental stability and overall well-being.
Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi encouraged citizens to adopt yoga as a daily habit for healthier family and community life. The session was conducted by yoga instructors Reena Doji, Kompu Loya Ete, Kirjum Basar Sora and Yukbin Diyum.
In Upper Siang district, the District Ayush Society organized a yoga programme at Yingkiong under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." Local MLA Alo Libang emphasized the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life to maintain physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The session was conducted by Obul Boli, Headmistress of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya.
In West Kameng district, International Yoga Day was observed at the Govt Higher Secondary School auditorium in Bomdila. Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, Superintendent of Police Dr DW Thongon, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion Arunachal Scouts Col Parikshit Das and senior officials attended the programme, which witnessed participation from SSB personnel, Arunachal Scouts, NDRF personnel, Brahma Kumaris members, students and citizens.
The District Administration and West Kameng Police also conducted an awareness programme on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse and encouraging youth to adopt a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
In Namsai, the celebration at Hochayan Poi-Pee-Mau Ground witnessed participation from Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chow Sujana Namchoom, Superintendent of Police S Thinley, CRPF Commandant DK Singh, Assam Rifles personnel, heads of departments, students and members of the Brahma Kumaris.
Yoga instructor Sunita Sonar conducted a demonstration session on yoga postures and breathing techniques, while Rajyoga trainer BK Rakesh from Delhi delivered a presentation on the virtues fostered through yoga and meditation, including peace, purity, happiness and inner strength.
East Kameng district observed the day at Nyedar Namlo in Seppa. The programme was inaugurated by MLA Ealing Tallang in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Yashaswini B. More than 180 participants, including government officials, PRI leaders, senior citizens, students and yoga practitioners, took part in the observance. Trained instructors conducted sessions on yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation while highlighting yoga's role in preventive healthcare and healthy ageing.
In the picturesque Siang Valley, the Indian Army's Spearhead Division under Spear Corps organized a mass yoga session at Tuting, bringing together soldiers, veterans, civil administration officials, school children and local residents.
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas, the event celebrated yoga as a symbol of wellness, discipline and national unity. Army officials said the programme reflected the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and underscored the strong bond between the Indian Army and local communities in the frontier region.
Meanwhile, in Tirap district, the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles commemorated the day at its battalion headquarters with enthusiastic participation from officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and troops. Personnel performed yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises, while awareness sessions highlighted yoga's benefits in promoting physical fitness, reducing stress and strengthening mental resilience.
Across Arunachal Pradesh, the widespread participation of citizens, students, security forces and public representatives reflected the growing acceptance of yoga as a powerful tool for building a healthier, more resilient and harmonious society.