Yoga Day 2026: Mizoram Governor credits Modi for yoga's global rise
Synopsis
At Mizoram's 12th International Day of Yoga observance, Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh credited PM Modi's diplomacy with turning an ancient Indian practice into a UN-recognised global movement — now in its 12th year and observed across hospitals, schools, and NCC units statewide under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
Key Takeaways
Mizoram Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd) addressed the 12th International Day of Yoga state event in Aizawl on 21 June 2026 .
The event was held at the 34 Assam Rifles Helipad, Zokhawsang , with around 300 participants .
This year's theme was 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' , organised by the National AYUSH Mission and Directorate of AYUSH .
Health Minister Lalrinpuii and Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena also spoke at the event.
Yoga Day was observed across Mizoram at district hospitals, wellness centres, and educational institutions.
Mizoram Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd) on 21 June 2026 credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership with elevating yoga into a worldwide movement for health, wellness, and harmony, speaking at the state-level observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga in Aizawl. The event, held at the 34 Assam Rifles Helipad in Zokhawsang, drew around 300 participants including personnel from the Assam Rifles, Mizo Air Squadron NCC, and government officials.
Governor's Address
Gen Singh, a former Chief of Army Staff and Union Minister, noted that the United Nations adoption of 21 June as International Day of Yoga has now entered its 12th year — a milestone he described as a matter of great national pride. He emphasised that yoga is a holistic discipline that nurtures the body, mind, and intellect simultaneously.
The Governor urged participants to follow the Common Yoga Protocol for maximum benefit, stressing that postures involve smooth, synchronised movements coordinated with breathing rather than abrupt or jerky actions. 'Yoga is not meant for sweat; rather, it is intended to bring harmony within the system,' he said. He also underlined yoga's universal accessibility, noting it requires no special equipment and can be practised anywhere, making it suitable for people across all sections of society.
Theme and Organisers
This year's observance carried the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', organised jointly by the National AYUSH Mission and the Directorate of AYUSH, Mizoram. The theme reflects a growing policy focus on preventive healthcare for an ageing population, both at the national and state level.
What State Leaders Said
Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii described Mizoram's participation as a meaningful contribution to the global movement for peace and well-being. 'Yoga is a simple exercise that everyone can practise. It welcomes all and has a place for everyone,' she said, adding that the practice offers peace and balance even amid the pressures of modern life.
Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena reaffirmed the Mizoram government's commitment to advancing preventive and holistic healthcare through the AYUSH system, stressing the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary medical approaches.
Statewide Participation
Beyond the main event in Aizawl, International Day of Yoga 2026 was observed across Mizoram at district hospitals, health and wellness centres, educational institutions, and local organisations. The decentralised observance reflects an effort to embed yoga practice at the community level rather than confining it to ceremonial state functions.
As India marks a dozen years of the UN-recognised Yoga Day, Mizoram's participation signals continued momentum for the initiative across the country's northeastern states.
Point of View
Cite the UN resolution, invoke harmony. What deserves more scrutiny is the substantive question the 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' theme raises: whether AYUSH-led preventive health programmes in states like Mizoram are backed by adequate infrastructure and trained personnel, or whether the annual observance remains largely ceremonial. Mizoram's healthcare indicators lag national averages in several areas; the Chief Secretary's pledge to integrate traditional and modern medicine is meaningful only if it translates into funded, measurable outcomes at the district level.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the theme of International Day of Yoga 2026?
The theme for International Day of Yoga 2026 was 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', reflecting a policy emphasis on preventive healthcare for older populations. The event in Mizoram was organised by the National AYUSH Mission and the Directorate of AYUSH.
Where was Mizoram's state-level Yoga Day event held in 2026?
The state-level event was held at the 34 Assam Rifles Helipad in Zokhawsang, Aizawl, on 21 June 2026. Around 300 participants attended, including Assam Rifles personnel, Mizo Air Squadron NCC members, and government officials.
Who is Mizoram Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh?
Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd) is the Governor of Mizoram and a former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. He also served as a Union Minister before his gubernatorial appointment.
What did Mizoram's Health Minister say about yoga?
Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii said yoga represents Mizoram's meaningful participation in the global movement for peace and well-being. She described it as a simple, inclusive practice that offers balance amid modern life's pressures.
How was International Day of Yoga 2026 observed across Mizoram?
Beyond the main Aizawl event, Yoga Day was observed at district hospitals, health and wellness centres, educational institutions, and local organisations across Mizoram. The decentralised approach aimed to bring yoga practice to the community level.
