NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 21
Reinforcing the message that national strength begins with individual well-being, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 by performing yoga with nearly 1,000 personnel of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Attended the International Yoga Day celebrations at Eastern Air Command in Shillong. Yoga brings the entire humanity together as it unites the people across the country and continents. I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their routine. pic.twitter.com/CeYIchEsEg
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2026
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Conrad K. Sangma, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia and Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa, who joined soldiers in performing various asanas and breathing exercises.
- Rajnath Singh performs Yoga with Army and Air Force personnel at Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong
- Defence Minister describes Yoga as a bridge connecting the individual, society, nature and the divine
- Calls upon citizens to make Yoga an inseparable part of daily life for physical and mental well-being
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership hailed for transforming Yoga into a global movement
- Defence forces, CDS, senior military leadership and over 10,000 Defence Accounts officials join nationwide celebrations
Addressing mediapersons, Defence Minister described Yoga as far more than a physical exercise, calling it a holistic science and an art of living that nurtures harmony between the individual and the wider world.
“Yoga is a holistic science and an art of living that connects individuals with their inner selves, society, nature, and ultimately, the divine. It offers a path to inner stability, mental clarity, and emotional resilience,” he said.
In a message posted on social media, Rajnath Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating Yoga into a worldwide movement that continues to benefit millions across continents.
“The persistent efforts and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have transformed Yoga into a global movement, providing health benefits to people across the world,” he stated.
Emphasising the enduring relevance of India’s ancient wellness tradition, he added:
“Yoga symbolises the power of India’s ancient traditions, which is ensuring the well-being of all humanity.”
The Defence Minister appealed to citizens to embrace Yoga as a daily practice.
“Make Yoga an integral part of your daily lives to build a healthy body, calm mind and a strong nation,” he urged.
Participants also watched the Prime Minister’s International Day of Yoga address delivered from Kolkata, while yoga sessions were simultaneously organised at numerous forward and operational locations, reflecting the enthusiasm of defence personnel stationed across the country.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth participated in Yoga Day celebrations at Ranchi University, where he stressed the importance of incorporating yoga into everyday life.
“Yoga teaches us to remain calm in favourable as well as adverse circumstances and is one of the most powerful mediums for fostering positivity within,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani led Yoga Day celebrations at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, joined by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, senior officers and their families.
The nationwide observance extended across the Ministry of Defence ecosystem. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Anugraha Narayana Das joined senior officials in yoga sessions at the CGDA headquarters in New Delhi.
Celebrating this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” more than 10,000 Defence Accounts Department officials across the country participated virtually, turning the occasion into a nationwide movement promoting wellness, mindfulness and healthy living.
The celebrations underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic well-being—qualities that remain central to operational readiness and national service.
