- Indian Coast Guard’s statewide Yoga Day celebrations unite 1,800 personnel, stakeholders and students
- ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ resonates across maritime establishments from Gandhinagar to Jakhau
- Wellness, readiness and community participation underscore ICG’s vision of a fit and resilient India
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JUNE 21
Reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence, holistic well-being and national service, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Region (North West) celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY-2026) with remarkable enthusiasm across Gujarat, bringing together personnel, families, students and stakeholders in a powerful display of unity and wellness.
Led by the Regional Headquarters (North West) at Gandhinagar, coordinated celebrations were conducted simultaneously at District Headquarters Porbandar and Okha, as well as ICG Stations at Veraval, Pipavav, Mundra, Vadinar, Jakhau and Surat, reflecting the organisation’s unwavering commitment to physical fitness, mental resilience and healthy living.
Observed globally since 2015 under the aegis of the United Nations, International Day of Yoga has evolved into a worldwide movement promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” announced by the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted yoga’s enduring relevance in enhancing quality of life across generations while supporting the health and operational readiness of uniformed personnel.
In the lead-up to the celebrations, the Coast Guard organised daily yoga sessions from June 14, fostering a sustained culture of wellness and mindfulness. The week-long initiative culminated in large-scale participation by nearly 1,800 individuals, including personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Fisheries Department, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Marine Police, APM Terminal, Central and State Intelligence Bureau units, Defence Security Corps (DSC), TCIL, State Bank of India, Ultratech, SDHIL, NCC cadets and school students.
The celebrations also witnessed a notable increase in participation by women and children, highlighting yoga’s growing acceptance as a family-centred wellness practice. Extensive outreach activities conducted prior to the event helped spread awareness about the transformative benefits of yoga and encouraged wider community engagement.
At Gandhinagar and other Coast Guard establishments, officers, enrolled personnel, civilian employees and their family members enthusiastically participated in yoga sessions, embodying the values of discipline, harmony and collective well-being. Officials noted that the integration of yoga into routine training schedules has delivered tangible benefits, enhancing flexibility, endurance, balance, concentration and mental clarity—qualities that are indispensable in high-tempo maritime operations and coastal security missions.
Through the statewide observance, the Indian Coast Guard reaffirmed its dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and mindfulness among its personnel and the broader community. The celebrations served as a testament to yoga’s ability to harmonise body, mind and spirit while advancing the national vision of a healthier, stronger and more resilient society in line with the aspirations of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
