Itanagar/Imphal/Kohima, June 21 (IANS) From the remote forward posts and high-altitude areas of Arunachal Pradesh to the conflict-affected and border regions of Manipur, as well as the rugged mountainous terrains of Nagaland and Mizoram, the armed forces on Sunday celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day across the Northeastern region, underscoring the message of health, resilience and unity through yoga.

A defence spokesman said that the Assam Rifles commemorated International Yoga Day on Sunday by organising mass yoga sessions across Tuensang, Kiphire, Mokokchung and Mon districts of Nagaland, in line with this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from Assam Rifles personnel, their families, students and NCC/NSS cadets, reflecting a shared commitment to fitness, discipline and holistic well-being.

The yoga sessions included various asanas, pranayama and meditation practices under the guidance of trained instructors, who also highlighted the health benefits and necessary precautions associated with different postures.

At Kiphire, around 300 Assam Rifles personnel and 80 NCC/NSS cadets of Zisaji Presidency College participated in the programme, while troops, families and students joined similar sessions at Tuensang, Mokokchung and Mon.

The programmes promoted physical fitness, mental resilience and stress management, while encouraging participants to adopt yoga as a way of life for achieving physical, mental and emotional balance.

In Manipur, in a major initiative to promote health, wellness and harmony amid the ongoing ethnic crisis, Assam Rifles celebrated International Yoga Day across various locations in the state.

The defence spokesman said that the widespread celebrations marked the successful culmination of a comprehensive 100-day yoga run-up, which featured daily yoga sessions, awareness campaigns, interactive discussions on health benefits and active digital engagement through online yoga sessions organised across formations.

Grounded in this year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the campaign aimed to integrate preventive healthcare and holistic wellness into the daily lives of troops, families and local communities while strengthening civil-military relations.

The events witnessed the participation of more than 1,200 people, including security personnel, local villagers, students, women, youth and village authorities at various locations.

The events spanned diverse terrains, from valley areas of Manipur to hilly regions and forward positions along the India-Myanmar border.

Under the guidance of trained instructors, participants followed the common yoga protocol, practising a structured sequence of asanas, pranayama, breathing exercises and meditation techniques.

Given the regional climate, special emphasis was laid on incorporating techniques suitable for the monsoon season to boost immunity, cardiovascular health and respiratory efficiency.

For security personnel operating in challenging terrains and high-pressure environments, the practices were emphasised as essential tools for stress management, self-discipline and long-term operational readiness.

In Mizoram, Assam Rifles commemorated International Yoga Day at Zokhawsang in Aizawl.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Directorate of AYUSH under the Mizoram government under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

The programme was graced by state Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retired).

Mizoram Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii also attended the event, which witnessed the participation of more than 350 attendees, including civilians, NCC cadets, government officials and Assam Rifles personnel.

Participants also joined the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address commemorating International Yoga Day 2026 in Kolkata and subsequently took part in the common yoga protocol session conducted by the National AYUSH Mission, Mizoram.

Yoga sessions were also organised by the Assam Rifles in Serchhip, Champhai, Lunglei, Siaha, Parva, Zorinpui and Lawngtlai districts, in which more than 30 students, 40 civilians, 15 police personnel and 350 Assam Rifles personnel took part.

Qualified instructors conducted guided sessions on various asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques, emphasising yoga’s role in enhancing emotional resilience, holistic health and harmony between mind and body.

In Tripura, the Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps celebrated International Yoga Day with enthusiasm in Agartala, reaffirming its commitment to physical fitness, mental well-being and holistic health.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by troops, who gathered amid Tripura’s serene natural surroundings to mark the occasion through the practice of yoga and meditation.

Conducted under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the programme highlighted the vital role of yoga in fostering a healthy lifestyle, enhancing physical endurance, improving mental resilience and promoting emotional balance across all age groups.

Participants performed a series of yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises under the guidance of trained instructors, demonstrating the significance of yoga as a way of life.

The event also underscored the close relationship between human well-being and nature.

Surrounded by Tripura’s lush greenery and tranquil environment, participants experienced the benefits of practising yoga in harmony with nature, reinforcing the message that sustainable health and wellness are deeply connected to a balanced and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Army officials highlighted that yoga, one of India’s most valuable cultural and spiritual gifts to the world, continues to serve as a powerful tool for maintaining operational readiness, reducing stress and enhancing overall quality of life.

The observance provided an opportunity for troops to renew their commitment to personal health, resilience and holistic development while embracing the timeless values embodied in the practice of yoga.

Through such initiatives, the Indian Army continues to encourage a culture of fitness and wellness while strengthening the bond between soldiers, society and nature.

According to the spokesman, the event brought together young men and women from the university alongside soldiers in a shared endeavour towards physical fitness, mental well-being and holistic health.

In Arunachal Pradesh, defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that, as part of the week-long celebrations of International Yoga Day 2026, the Spearhead Division under the Spear Corps conducted a special yoga session with North Eastern Frontier Technical University (NEFTU), Aalo, in the picturesque Siyom Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

Participants practised various yoga postures, breathing exercises and wellness techniques aimed at improving flexibility, concentration, emotional balance and overall fitness.

The session highlighted yoga as an effective means of fostering a healthy lifestyle, self-discipline and inner resilience.

–IANS

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