Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday, 21 June 2026, reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting yoga as a cornerstone of public health, participating in the state-level celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla joined him at the event, which drew more than 1,000 participants from across the state.

Key Developments at the Imphal Celebration

The programme opened with a live stream of the main national event from Kolkata, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the occasion. Senior officials present at the Imphal event included Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, and Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, along with legislators, security personnel, and dignitaries.

Participants included students, government employees, yoga practitioners, and members of the public — a cross-section that organisers said reflected the widening reach of the practice across Manipur's diverse communities.

What the Chief Minister Said

In a statement issued after the event, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said the enthusiastic turnout embodied the spirit of this year's theme. 'We remain committed to promoting yoga as a pathway to a healthier, fitter and more resilient Manipur,' he said. He added that yoga continues to inspire healthy living, inner balance, and collective well-being, contributing to both physical and mental wellness.

Governor Bhalla Leads Yoga Session

Governor Bhalla led participants through several yoga asanas and urged attendees to incorporate the practice into their daily routines. He stressed that regular yoga can contribute significantly to a healthy lifestyle, mental peace, and overall well-being. Separately, at Lok Bhavan in Imphal, Governor Bhalla and First Lady Jyoti Bhalla conducted a yoga session for officers and staff in what was described as a serene and disciplined setting.

Global Theme and Wider Context

This year's International Day of Yoga is observed globally under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', spotlighting the practice's role in sustaining physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional well-being across all life stages. Manipur's observance joined millions of participants across India and around the world in marking the occasion. Notably, the event in Imphal is part of a decade-long national push to institutionalise yoga in public life — the International Day of Yoga has been observed annually since 2015, following a United Nations resolution championed by India.

With celebrations extending from the main stadium to government offices, the state's participation underscored yoga's growing role as a public health tool, particularly in a region that has faced significant social stress in recent years.