Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 21 June declared yoga indispensable for a disease-free, healthy and balanced life, urging citizens across the state to weave the ancient practice into their daily routines as Tripura marked the 12th International Yoga Day with mass participation events.

State-Level Celebration in Agartala

The Chief Minister led the state-level observance at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall on the outskirts of Agartala, joining hundreds of participants in yoga exercises and pranayama. Saha — a dental surgeon by profession — described yoga as a powerful instrument for promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. This year's global theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', shaped the messaging of events held across the state.

'On this occasion, I urge everyone to build a healthy, balanced and conscious lifestyle through regular yoga practice. Yoga not only strengthens the body but also helps in achieving mental peace, discipline and inner harmony,' Saha said.

Origins of International Yoga Day

Saha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with placing the idea of an international yoga observance before the global community in 2014. With unanimous support from a large number of countries, 21 June has been observed as International Yoga Day every year since 2015. The Chief Minister noted that India's ancient traditions of yoga and pranayama now carry a message of human welfare, harmony and well-being to audiences worldwide.

Key Dignitaries and District Events

The Hapania programme was attended by Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, other ministers, MLAs and senior government officials. Simultaneously, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu attended the Sepahijala district-level observance at Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Higher Secondary School in Charilam, where a large number of participants joined the yoga session.

Tripura Agriculture and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath presided over a vibrant programme in the Mohanpur area, attended by students, youth representatives and local residents. Nath emphasised that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a holistic discipline nurturing a healthy body, a calm mind and a balanced lifestyle. He called upon citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and commit to mental resilience through consistent practice.

Statewide Participation

International Yoga Day was observed across various districts, subdivisions and localities of Tripura with enthusiasm and active public participation. The widespread turnout reflected the growing relevance of yoga in promoting holistic wellness, officials said. The events formed part of nationwide celebrations aimed at spreading awareness about yoga's benefits and encouraging healthier, more disciplined lifestyles.

As Tripura's grassroots-level observances demonstrated, the practice has moved well beyond urban centres — a trend that officials expect to deepen in the years ahead.