How Are Guvs, CMs, and Political Leaders Celebrating Yoga Day in the Northeast?

Guwahati/Agartala, June 21 (NationPress) Governors, Chief Ministers, esteemed personalities, senior Army officials, security personnel, and citizens from diverse backgrounds engaged in Yoga activities across all northeastern states to commemorate the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday.

In celebration of this significant day, numerous Yoga events took place in each district across the eight northeastern states, reaching even the most remote areas. Both government and private sectors, along with educational institutions, clubs, civil societies, and various organizations, organized these events, drawing participation from thousands, including women of all ages.

During the International Yoga Day (IYD) event at Salbari in Assam's Baska district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that Yoga unites physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, becoming an essential aspect of contemporary life worldwide. “Yoga promotes a healthy lifestyle and contributes to building a harmonious society,” Sarma remarked, highlighting it as a proud cultural heritage of India embraced globally.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating Yoga to an international platform, specifically referencing his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, which led to the formal recognition of June 21 as International Yoga Day by the UN on December 11, 2014.

Both valley and hill regions of Manipur participated in the global observance of IYD-2025.

State Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the state-level event at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal, which saw around 1,000 participants, including students, government officials, Yoga enthusiasts, security personnel, and local residents. The governor led the attendees in practicing Yoga asanas, advocating for its incorporation into daily life.

This year’s IYD theme is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, reflecting the vision of ‘Humanity 2.0’, articulated by Prime Minister Modi, promoting a more balanced and thoughtful lifestyle.

In Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed after his participation in the state-level IYD event at Hapania in West Tripura on Saturday that Yoga aids in maintaining a healthy body and a composed mind while alleviating physiological stress. He praised Prime Minister Modi for the global acknowledgment of Yoga, noting that 177 countries voted to celebrate IYD at the UN General Assembly in 2014.

Currently, approximately 130,000 Yoga centers are operational in nations including the US and China, as stated by the Chief Minister, who also called for a mass movement to combat the rising threat of AIDS/HIV in the northeastern state.

In Arunachal Pradesh, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik and Chief Minister Pema Khandu led the state in observing IYD, highlighting Yoga's significance for physical and mental health. The Governor remarked that Yoga has transformed into a global phenomenon that transcends cultural, religious, and national boundaries. "Through Yoga, the inner peace of every individual can nurture outer peace, fostering a calm mind and a healthier life," Parnaik stated, describing Yoga as a timeless gift from India's ancient wisdom that encourages harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

Khandu, who attended a Yoga event in Itanagar, referred to it as a representation of the union of body, mind, and consciousness. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein led celebrations at the Kongmu Kham Golden Pagoda in Namsai district. Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, spearheaded celebrations at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in Anini within the Dibang Valley district. He noted the increasing global acceptance of Yoga, especially during challenging times, as a source of both physical and mental fortitude.

In Nagaland, the state-level event took place at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, co-organized by the National AYUSH Mission, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and the Department of Youth Resources and Sports. Health Minister P. Paiwang Konyak, alongside officials from relevant departments, students, and volunteers from NCC and NSS, participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session as part of the celebrations. Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh led the state in the nationwide celebration of IYD in Aizawl, with civil and security officials, notable personalities, and countless others joining in the festivities.