More than 65,000 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets have participated in yoga events spread across 215 locations in West Bengal and Sikkim between 18 June and 20 June 2026, officials confirmed on Saturday. The mass mobilisation is part of the run-up to International Yoga Day 2026, observed globally on 21 June, whose theme this year is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.

Flagship Event at NCC Training Institute, Kolkata

The centrepiece of the cadet-level celebrations was held at the NCC Training Institute in Kolkata, organised under the NCC West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate. Major General Amar Pal Singh Chahal, Additional Director General of the directorate, attended the event and was received by Brigadier Krishnendu Das, Group Commander of the Kolkata 'B' NCC Group Headquarters.

The yoga session was led by renowned practitioner Visharad Anju Mishra, who guided participants through asanas, pranayama, and meditation exercises aimed at building physical fitness, mental resilience, and long-term wellness. Cadets, officers, associate NCC officers, and staff took part, officials noted.

Leander Paes Addresses Cadets

Olympic medallist and tennis legend Leander Paes — recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna — was a prominent presence at the session, addressing the assembled cadets. Paes spoke about the values of discipline, determination, and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.

'The harder the battle, the sweeter is the victory,' he said, drawing on lessons from his storied sporting career. He also expressed support for future NCC initiatives in sports, fitness, and wellness.

PM Modi to Lead National Celebrations in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Kolkata and is scheduled to participate in the main International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations at Red Road on Sunday, 21 June. The NCC events, officials said, were conducted 'in the spirit of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose initiative at the United Nations led to the adoption of the International Day of Yoga and transformed it into a global movement promoting health, harmony and sustainable living.'

Broader Significance for Youth and National Integration

Officials underlined that the NCC serves as a platform for national integration, bringing together youth from diverse social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. The scale of participation — thousands of cadets performing yoga in unison across both states — was described as a symbol of a 'healthier, stronger and more cohesive India,' consistent with the NCC motto of 'Unity and Discipline'.

With the global Yoga Day event in Kolkata set for Sunday, attention now turns to Prime Minister Modi's address at Red Road, which is expected to draw a large public gathering.