Manipur observed the 12th International Day of Yoga with statewide participation as CM Yumnam Khemchand highlighted yoga's growing global recognition.
Imphal, June 21: Manipur joined the rest of the country and the world in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday, with large-scale participation from government institutions, educational establishments, healthcare centres, sports bodies and local communities across the state. The state-level celebration was held at the Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak, under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Speaking at the state-level function, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said it was a matter of pride that yoga, which originated in India and gained global prominence under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is now being observed in 127 countries as the International Day of Yoga.
He said the worldwide recognition of yoga reflected its universal appeal and benefits for humanity. Emphasising its importance in everyday life, the Chief Minister urged people to practice yoga regularly for physical, mental and emotional well-being.
The programme was jointly organised by the Directorate of AYUSH, Manipur, National AYUSH Mission, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Department of Education (Schools).
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, legislators, senior civil and police officials, and a large number of citizens attended the event. The gathering also watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address delivered during the national-level International Day of Yoga programme held in Kolkata.
Following the live broadcast, the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries joined participants in performing yoga asanas as part of the observance.
According to officials, more than 1,000 people, including students, government employees, yoga practitioners, security personnel and members of the public, took part in the programme at Khuman Lampak.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla encouraged people to make yoga a regular part of their daily routine. He said yoga contributes significantly to maintaining physical fitness, mental balance and overall well-being.
The Governor later led another yoga session at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, where officers and staff participated alongside the First Lady.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles and improving quality of life through regular yoga practice. The theme highlights the role of yoga in maintaining physical vitality, mental clarity and emotional stability across different stages of life.
Beyond the state-level event, International Yoga Day was observed extensively across Manipur.
In Chandel district, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Field Office Chandel, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, organised a Special Outreach Programme at Chandropoto Village.
The programme brought together village leaders, youth organisations and local residents. Speaking during the event, CBC officials highlighted the significance of this year’s theme and stressed the role of yoga in promoting healthy ageing and active living.
Resource person and yoga instructor N. Gitchandra Singh explained the scientific and practical aspects of yoga. He recalled that the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 and noted that the date coincides with the summer solstice, symbolising harmony and balance.
He elaborated on the benefits of yoga, including improved flexibility, strength, balance, sleep quality and stress management. Participants also took part in practical demonstrations of various yoga postures. A quiz competition based on yoga and health awareness was organised to encourage greater community participation, especially among young people.
In Pherzawl district, the District Administration coordinated yoga programmes across educational and healthcare institutions. A central session was held at the Zonal Education Office camp office, where officials and staff participated in yoga exercises promoting healthy living.
Healthcare institutions including the Community Health Centre at Parbung and Primary Health Centres at Senvon, Sibapurikhal and Patpuihmun also conducted yoga demonstrations. Medical personnel highlighted the importance of yoga in preventive healthcare and overall wellness.
The Social Welfare Department, through ICDS units, organised similar programmes at multiple locations in the district.
Kakching district also witnessed widespread participation in Yoga Day celebrations. Programmes were conducted under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” at educational institutions, healthcare facilities, child care homes and community centres.
As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah campaign, yoga sessions were organised in collaboration with Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts under the supervision of the District Social Welfare Office.
Yoga demonstrations and awareness programmes were also conducted at children's homes, open shelters, primary health centres and schools across the district. MY Bharat Kakching, in collaboration with Kakching Khunou Police Outpost and local health authorities, organised another Yoga Day event that drew active participation from residents.
In Churachandpur, the District Administration organised a yoga session at the Panchayat Resource Centre within the Mini Secretariat Complex. Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar participated in the programme along with officials and staff from various government departments.
Speaking after the session, the Deputy Commissioner described yoga as a holistic discipline that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. He said regular practice helps improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, enhance immunity and reduce stress and anxiety.
He also noted that yoga can be practiced without expensive equipment and can easily be incorporated into daily life at homes, offices or public spaces.
Schools under the jurisdiction of the Zonal Education Officer, Churachandpur, also organised Yoga Day programmes with participation from students, teachers, parents and staff members.
Sports institutions across the state marked the occasion with equal enthusiasm.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Imphal, organised a large yoga session at the New Multipurpose Hall of the SAI North-East Regional Centre at Takyelpat.
Around 300 participants, including athletes, coaches, retired sports personnel and officials, attended the programme. Yoga instructor Naorem Sharmila led participants through a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises.
The event also featured a live screening of Prime Minister Modi’s Yoga Day address. Speaking on the occasion, SAI NERC Deputy Director Laijing L. Maring stressed the importance of integrating yoga into everyday life to achieve physical fitness, mental focus and emotional resilience.
Research and medical institutions also organised observances.
The BRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, held a guided yoga session involving scientists, research scholars, students and staff members. Participants performed yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises while discussing the importance of yoga in maintaining long-term health and wellness.
At the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, students and administrative officials participated in a yoga session held at the Gym Khana.
RIMS Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma described yoga as an evidence-based and cost-effective practice that supports physical fitness, mental health and healthy ageing. He encouraged people to adopt yoga from an early age to prevent lifestyle-related diseases and improve overall quality of life.
The widespread observance across districts, institutions and communities reflected the growing acceptance of yoga as a means of promoting healthier lifestyles and holistic well-being. As Manipur joined millions around the world in celebrating International Yoga Day, participants echoed a common message — that regular yoga practice can contribute significantly to healthier, more balanced lives.
