Indian Armed Forces celebrate 11th International Day of Yoga across land, sea and sky

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS)

As the world marked the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces embraced the occasion with full vigour and commitment, conducting Yoga sessions across diverse terrains - from the icy heights of Siachen to the deep seas of the Indian Ocean and forward bases in Jammu & Kashmir.

Under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the celebrations highlighted yoga’s transformative role in building resilience, focus, and unity across India’s defence forces.

The flagship event was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam, where over 11,000 naval personnel, along with their family, participated in a grand session.

The Indian Navy observed Yoga Day across all stations and on board ships, including those docked at foreign ports such as Mauritius, Oman and Malaysia. In the Himalayas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the celebrations at the Northern Command HQ in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, performing asanas alongside 2,500 soldiers.

Rajnath Singh linked yoga with the mental clarity and discipline seen during critical operations like Operation Sindoor, calling it a symbol of the Armed Forces’ inner strength. At the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier, Indian Army personnel marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with remarkable dedication, performing asanas in sub-zero temperatures amid harsh terrain.

The celebration underscored the resilience and mental fortitude of soldiers stationed at extreme altitudes, showcasing yoga’s role in enhancing physical endurance and psychological well-being even in the most challenging conditions. The event sent a powerful message of inner strength, unity, and discipline, echoing the spirit of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”