Shillong: The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was observed with great enthusiasm across India’s defence establishments, with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh leading the celebrations at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya, where he performed yoga alongside around 1,000 personnel of the Indian Armed Forces.
The session included a range of asanas and breathing exercises, with participation from personnel of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, reflecting the armed forces’ strong commitment to physical fitness, mental resilience, and holistic well-being. Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, and senior military officials also joined the session.
Addressing the media, Shri Rajnath Singh described Yoga as a holistic science and a way of life that fosters inner stability, mental clarity, and emotional strength. He said Yoga helps individuals connect with themselves, society, nature, and higher consciousness, making it a powerful tool for overall development.
He highlighted that Yoga is not merely a physical practice but a discipline that strengthens the mind and builds resilience, enabling individuals to remain calm and balanced in all situations. He urged citizens to make Yoga an integral part of daily life to build a healthy body, a calm mind, and a strong nation.
In his message on social media platform X, the Raksha Mantri credited the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for transforming Yoga into a global movement that benefits millions worldwide. He emphasized that Yoga reflects India’s ancient civilisational wisdom and continues to serve as a bridge for global wellness and harmony.
Participants at the Shillong event also witnessed the live telecast of the Prime Minister’s International Day of Yoga address from Kolkata’s Red Road, ensuring nationwide synchronisation of celebrations. Yoga sessions were also conducted at forward locations, highlighting the enthusiasm and commitment of defence personnel across regions.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth also participated in Yoga Day celebrations at Swarn Jyanti Dikshant Mandap, Ranchi University, under the Ministry of Ayush, stressing the importance of integrating Yoga into daily life to maintain balance and positivity in all circumstances.
At the national level, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan led the Yoga Day observance at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, joined by senior defence leadership and families of service personnel. Simultaneously, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and Defence Accounts Department performed Yoga at the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) office.
Marking the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” more than 10,000 officials of the Defence Accounts Department across India participated virtually, making the celebration a large-scale collective movement promoting wellness, discipline, and mental well-being within the defence ecosystem.
