Army personnel mark 12th International Yoga Day at Vadodara EME School
Synopsis
The Indian Army turned the 12th International Yoga Day into a community affair at Vadodara's EME School, pulling families onto the mat alongside soldiers. Under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', the event signals how deeply wellness culture has taken root within India's armed forces — not just as fitness, but as institutional identity.
Key Takeaways
Indian Army personnel and families held a mass yoga session at EME School, Vadodara on 21 June 2025 for the 12th International Yoga Day .
The event was conducted under the national theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' .
Family members were included alongside serving soldiers to promote wellness beyond the workplace.
Yoga sessions were organised at hundreds of venues across Gujarat and thousands nationwide.
International Yoga Day has been observed annually since 2015 , with participation from security forces, government bodies, and community organisations.
Indian Army personnel and their family members joined the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations on Sunday, 21 June with a mass yoga session at the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) School in Vadodara, Gujarat, reflecting the armed forces' institutional commitment to holistic wellness.
What Happened at the EME School
Serving soldiers and their families gathered at the EME School — the Indian Army's premier training institution for electronics and mechanical engineers — to perform a range of yoga postures and breathing exercises. The session was organised as part of the broader national observance and drew enthusiastic participation across ranks and age groups.
This Year's Theme: Yoga for Healthy Ageing
The 2025 edition of International Yoga Day is being observed under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', spotlighting yoga's role in sustaining physical vitality and mental resilience through different life stages. Organisers noted that the Vadodara session specifically highlighted how regular practice supports physical fitness, mental balance, and inner well-being — values deeply aligned with military life.
Beyond the Barracks: Families at the Centre
A notable feature of the Vadodara event was the deliberate inclusion of family members alongside serving personnel. By extending the session beyond soldiers, the programme sought to embed wellness practices into everyday domestic life, not just professional routine. This approach underscores a growing recognition within the armed forces that resilience begins at home.
Gujarat and National Context
Yoga sessions were organised at hundreds of venues across Gujarat and thousands of locations nationwide on Sunday. The Vadodara programme was among several held across the state, bringing together participants from varied backgrounds under a shared commitment to health. Since its inception in 2015, International Yoga Day has grown into one of India's most widely observed wellness events, with participation spanning government institutions, security forces, educational establishments, and community organisations.
As the 12th edition drew to a close, the turnout at EME School, Vadodara, stood as a small but emblematic marker of how deeply yoga has been woven into institutional life across India's armed forces.
Point of View
And that data gap is worth filling.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the International Yoga Day event held by the Indian Army in Vadodara?
The event was held at the EME School in Vadodara, Gujarat — the Indian Army's premier training institution for the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers. It took place on 21 June 2025.
What is the theme of International Yoga Day 2025?
The theme for the 12th International Yoga Day is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', focusing on yoga's role in sustaining physical and mental well-being across different life stages.
Who participated in the Vadodara yoga session?
Both serving Indian Army personnel and their family members participated in the session, which included yoga postures and breathing exercises. The inclusion of families was a deliberate effort to promote wellness beyond the military workplace.
When did International Yoga Day begin and how widely is it observed?
International Yoga Day has been observed every year since 2015. In 2025, sessions were organised at hundreds of venues across Gujarat and thousands of locations across India, involving government institutions, security forces, and community groups.
Why does the Indian Army participate in International Yoga Day?
Army participation reflects an institutional emphasis on physical fitness, mental resilience, and holistic well-being — values central to military service. Including family members extends these wellness goals into everyday life beyond the barracks.
