Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined nearly 1,000 Indian Air Force and Army personnel at the Eastern Air Command headquarters in Shillong on June 21 as the armed forces observed the International Day of Yoga with events held across the country, including high-altitude border areas, deserts, coastal regions and naval platforms at sea.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia and General Officer Commanding Headquarters 101 Area Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa also took part in the session.
Speaking to reporters after the programme, Singh described yoga as a way of life and a holistic science that fosters harmony between individuals, society and nature. He said the practice enhances emotional balance, mental clarity and inner strength.
In a message posted on X, the Defence Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with elevating yoga into a worldwide movement and said it reflected the richness of India’s ancient heritage. He encouraged people to adopt yoga as a daily habit to ensure physical and mental well-being.
The nationwide observance witnessed personnel performing yoga in diverse operational environments ranging from the Siachen Glacier and the Rann of Kutch to remote areas in the Northeast, highlighting the armed forces’ emphasis on fitness and resilience.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan led celebrations at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, while Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi joined troops in Tezpur, Assam. According to officials, his participation with soldiers in the eastern sector underscored the Army’s commitment to physical preparedness and operational readiness.
This year’s observance, marking the 12th International Day of Yoga, carried the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on the importance of yoga in promoting lifelong health and wellness.
The Army conducted yoga sessions across challenging terrains, including forward posts, deserts and high-altitude locations. In Delhi Cantonment, more than 3,500 participants gathered at the Cariappa Parade Ground, where Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth joined serving personnel, veterans, NCC cadets, family members and civilians. Defence representatives from over 17 countries also participated.
Yoga events were organised across all major Army commands, while the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard held synchronised sessions onboard ships and at shore establishments. The celebrations coincided with the commissioning of three indigenous frontline naval platforms, including the stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, in Kolkata.
Coast Guard personnel stationed across the mainland and island territories also participated. The central event was held at the Coast Guard Complex in Noida, where Director General Paramesh Sivamani addressed over 1,000 personnel and family members.
The Indian Air Force organised yoga sessions at stations across the country, stretching from Leh to Car Nicobar and from Tawang to Dwarka, reaffirming its focus on physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic well-being among its personnel.
