Defence Minister Leads Yoga Session in Shillong
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a large yoga session with around 1,000 soldiers from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong on Sunday to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga. The event was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, and General Officer Commanding of Headquarters 101 Area Lt General Mohit Wadhwa.
Yoga for Healthy Ageing Theme
The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', emphasizing the importance of yoga for all age groups. Rajnath Singh described yoga as a holistic science and an art of living that connects individuals with their inner selves, society, nature, and the divine. He added that yoga offers a path to inner stability, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
Rajnath Singh's Message on Yoga
In a post on X, the defence minister said, "Yoga is not merely the foundation of a healthy body, but a path to living a balanced and disciplined life. Through the continuous efforts and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this cultural heritage of India has today become a global people's movement." He emphasized that yoga symbolizes the power of India's ancient traditions, ensuring the well-being of all humanity, and appealed to people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives to build a healthy body, calm mind, and a strong nation.
Wide Participation Across Commands
From Shillong, all participants witnessed Prime Minister Modi's Yoga Day speech delivered from the historic Red Road in Kolkata. Yoga sessions were conducted at numerous forward locations across the country, reflecting the dedication of defence forces personnel. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth celebrated Yoga Day at Swarn Jyanti Dikshant Mandap, Ranchi University, organized by the Ministry of AYUSH. He underlined the need to incorporate yoga in daily life as it teaches calmness in favourable or adverse circumstances.
Mass Gathering at Delhi Cantt
A senior Army officer said, "The yoga session at the Cariappa Parade Ground (Delhi Cantt) began at around 6 am. About 3,500 people gathered at the venue for the event, including Army personnel and their families, several defence attaches, NCC cadets, and school children." The IAF organized events across its multiple commands, from the Western Air Command in Delhi to the Southern Air Command in Thiruvananthapuram.
Navy Participates at Sea and Ashore
The Indian Navy also joined the celebrations. Ahead of Yoga Day, the Navy posted on X: "Calm Mind. Strong Body. Mission Ready. At sea and ashore, #IndianNavy embraces yoga as a way of life - enhancing focus, endurance and overall well-being." All military commands of the three services had been preparing for this annual mega event.
