Jamia Millia Islamia marks 12th International Yoga Day 2026 with 600+ participants
Synopsis
Jamia Millia Islamia marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with one of its largest campus turnouts — over 600 participants led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif, practising under Ministry of AYUSH protocol and watching Prime Minister Modi's live address on a giant screen. The university's participation under the 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' theme underlines how India's national wellness push is reaching even its most diverse academic institutions.
Key Takeaways
Jamia Millia Islamia observed the 12th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2026 at the Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex , New Delhi.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif led the session under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' .
More than 600 faculty members, staff, NSS/NCC volunteers, students, and community members participated.
The session followed the Ministry of AYUSH protocol, guided by Professor Badrul Islam Kairanvi .
Participants watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's live address on a giant screen at the venue.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif led the university's observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 on Sunday, 21 June at the Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex, New Delhi, drawing more than 600 participants from across the campus and surrounding communities.
Prime Minister's Address Sets the Tone
Participants gathered at the venue to watch the live address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, broadcast on a giant screen. The Prime Minister's message energised the gathering ahead of the yoga session, which was conducted under this year's theme — 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
Vice-Chancellor's Message on Holistic Wellness
Addressing the gathering, Professor Asif emphasised yoga's holistic philosophy and its continued relevance to modern life. He highlighted three pillars of good health: Ahaar (balanced diet), Vihar (adequate sleep), and Vyavhar (good behaviour), describing them as 'the very essence of yoga.'
'Yoga teaches us not only how to nourish the mind and body but, more importantly, how to regulate our emotions, especially anger and other negative feelings,' Professor Asif said.
Yoga Protocol and Expert Guidance
The session followed the protocol laid down by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, under the guidance of Professor Badrul Islam Kairanvi, Director of the Institute of Dr BIK Yoga & Clinic of AYUSH Paramedics, New Delhi, and former Training Commissioner, KVS BSG–Ministry of HRD. Professor Kairanvi demonstrated a range of mudras and asanas aligned with the IDY 2026 theme, underscoring yoga's role in managing lifestyle diseases, maintaining joint flexibility, and supporting chronic pain and inflammation recovery.
Wide Participation Across the University
The event was jointly organised by the Games and Sports Department, JMI and the Office of the Dean, Students' Welfare. Senior officials present included Mohd Mahfuzul Haque, Chairman, Games & Sports Committee; Nafis Ahmad, Director, Games & Sports; Mohammad Abid, Deputy Director, Games & Sports; Mohd Asad Malik, Chief Proctor; and Rihan Khan Suri, Director, CIE. Faculty deans, department heads, NSS and NCC volunteers, and residents from neighbouring communities also participated.
Significance of the Occasion
The International Day of Yoga, observed every year on 21 June, was established by the United Nations in 2015 following a proposal by Prime Minister Modi. This year's theme — 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' — reflects a global focus on preventive wellness as populations age. JMI's participation, led by its Vice-Chancellor at a major campus venue, signals the university's engagement with national health initiatives across its diverse community.
Point of View
Vihar, and Vyavhar — rooted in classical Indian philosophy but accessible across faiths — is a deliberate act of inclusive messaging. What mainstream coverage often misses is that IDY participation at universities has become a soft governance metric; institutions that visibly comply tend to fare better in UGC assessments. Whether that shapes participation more than genuine wellness commitment is a question worth asking.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day of Yoga 2026 theme?
The theme for the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing,' focusing on yoga's role in preventive wellness and managing age-related health conditions. It was adopted in line with global priorities around ageing populations.
How did Jamia Millia Islamia celebrate International Yoga Day 2026?
Jamia Millia Islamia held a large-scale yoga session on 21 June 2026 at the Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif. Over 600 participants, including faculty, students, NSS/NCC volunteers, and community members, practised yoga following Ministry of AYUSH protocol.
Who guided the yoga session at JMI on Yoga Day 2026?
Professor Badrul Islam Kairanvi, Director of the Institute of Dr BIK Yoga & Clinic of AYUSH Paramedics, New Delhi, guided the session. He demonstrated mudras and asanas aligned with the 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' theme and discussed yoga's benefits for lifestyle diseases and chronic pain.
What did JMI Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif say about yoga?
Professor Asif said that Ahaar (balanced diet), Vihar (adequate sleep), and Vyavhar (good behaviour) are the three pillars of good health and 'the very essence of yoga.' He also stressed yoga's role in regulating emotions, including anger and other negative feelings.
When was International Yoga Day established and why?
The United Nations established the International Day of Yoga in 2015, observed every year on 21 June, following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The day promotes yoga as a universal practice for physical and mental well-being.
