Itanagar, Jun 21: Arunachal Pradesh joined the nation in celebrating International Day of Yoga on Saturday with a series of events across the state, led by governor K T Parnaik and chief minister Pema Khandu, who underscored the importance of yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Governor Parnaik participated in the yoga session at Raj Bhavan here.
Emphasising the day's theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', he said yoga has evolved into a global movement that transcends cultural, religious, and national boundaries.
"It has shown us how inner peace can foster outer peace, and how a calm mind leads to a healthier life," Parnaik said, calling yoga a timeless gift from India's ancient wisdom that promotes harmony of body, mind, and spirit.
He expressed hope that the day would inspire people to embrace yoga as a daily practice, fostering inner harmony and a deeper sense of responsibility towards nature.
"Let us make yoga a part of our daily lives for a healthier present and a brighter, more balanced future," the governor said.
Parnaik extended warm wishes to the people of the state and expressed hope that the day would inspire more and more individuals to incorporate yoga into their lives. He conveyed heartfelt gratitude to yoga teachers, practitioners, and wellness champions whose dedication continues to keep this ancient tradition vibrant and relevant.
Recalling the global recognition yoga received under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the governor noted that the declaration of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations in 2014, transformed India’s timeless tradition into a worldwide movement for peace, wellness, and unity.
“What began as a sacred practice on the banks of our rivers is now a bridge connecting hearts across continents”, he remarked.
Parnaik emphasised the profound link between personal well-being and the health of the planet.
He said that yoga, rooted in the values of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), promotes compassion, mindfulness, and ecological responsibility, encouraging a balanced and sustainable way of living.
Appealing to the youth, the governor said that in today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, yoga offers much-needed clarity and calm.
“More than just physical fitness, yoga nurtures emotional strength, mental focus, and self-awareness. By embracing it, young people can lead healthier, more conscious lives and become torchbearers of peace and wellness in their communities,” he said.
Let us not just do yoga today, but live it every day. Only then can we build a world where inner peace fosters outer harmony and mindful living becomes a shared movement, Parnaik said.
As part of his ongoing efforts to promote holistic wellness, the governor also distributed a yoga booklet titled “Yoga for Common Health Challenges”, brought out by him, to the participants.
Khandu, along with union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, participated in an event at Chuna village, one of India’s remotest border settlements in Tawang district, close to the Tibet frontier.
The event saw participation from Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan, commanders of the Indian Army’s 40 and 46 Brigades, ITBP personnel, schoolchildren, and officers from the district administration.
Held at an altitude of 3,950 meters, the celebration highlighted yoga as a path to inner peace and national unity.
“This International Yoga Day, we gathered at Chuna in Tawang district to celebrate the ancient wisdom of yoga, a gift from Bharat to the world,” Khandu wrote in a post on X.
Reflecting on the occasion, the chief minister said, “In the serene heights of 3,950 meters, in the company of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister Kento Jini, Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan, and our brave Army and ITBP personnel, we practiced yoga not just as a physical exercise, but as a way of life rooted in harmony, balance, and inner peace.”
Following the yoga session, Khandu interacted with villagers of Chuna, emphasising his commitment as their local MLA to understand their challenges and aspirations firsthand.
“It was important for me to sit down with them, listen closely to their concerns, and understand their aspirations,” he said.
During his visit, the chief minister also met with jawans of the Arunachal Scouts, expressing deep admiration for their dedication.
“A heartfelt interaction with our own boys, sons of Arunachal, serving Maa Bharti in some of the toughest conditions with unmatched dedication,” he remarked.
Khandu concluded his visit by reaffirming the strategic and symbolic significance of border villages, saying, “From the borders of the Northeast, we reaffirmed: India’s borders are not the end, they are the origin points of our message to the world.”
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein led the celebrations at the Kongmu Kham Golden Pagoda in Namsai district.
Reflecting on his personal journey with yoga, he shared, "Yoga is not just a routine; it's a way of aligning the mind, body, and soul. I have been practising yoga for several years now, and it continues to ground me amidst the demands of public life."
Mein encouraged the youth to take up yoga, highlighting its power to bring clarity, resilience, and calmness.
"Just a few minutes a day can lead to a lifetime of balance and inner strength," he said.
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, led the celebrations at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya at Anini in Dibang Valley district.
He pointed to the growing global embrace of yoga, especially during challenging times, as a source of both physical and mental strength.
Anini MLA Mopi Mihu also took part and stressed the role of yoga in enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance. He urged participants to dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to the practice and to inspire others to join.
Meanwhile, state BJP president Kaling Moyong, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tashing, and party workers observed the day with a yoga event at the party office in Itanagar.
The United Nations General Assembly officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, acknowledging yoga's universal appeal and holistic benefits.
The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Saturday observed the day with a special yoga session held at the Assembly complex.
Speaker Tesam Pongte, MLAs Nakap Nalo and Oken Tayeng, along with Assembly officers and officials and ITBP personnel, participated in the session.
The session focused on promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of togetherness.
Participants performed various yoga exercises aimed at improving overall wellness.
In his brief address, Pongte said, “Yoga is a simple yet effective practice for a healthy body and mind. Regular practice can help build a healthier and more connected society.”
The Speaker also thanked the Art of Living for conducting the session and supporting the observance of the day.
In East Siang, deputy commissioner Sonalika Jiwani led the day’s celebrations at Engo Takar Dere, joined by officials from various departments and organisations.
The session, conducted by yoga teacher Maneka Pertin of Siang Trust, was organised by the district health society and the district administration. The Indian Army and NCC also held a yoga event at Veteran Seva Kendra, Pasighat, with 250 participants.
Anganwadi children and sub-jail inmates actively participated in their respective sessions.
The DC emphasised adopting yoga for better physical and mental well-being.
In Tuting, the Indian Army marked the day with a symbolic yoga session amid the Himalayan landscape.
Troops performed yoga against a backdrop of snow peaks and the Siang River, underlining yoga’s role in enhancing strength, focus, and resilience.
The Army reiterated its commitment to wellness and discipline, integrating yoga into daily routines across forward areas and involving local communities in the observance.
Lower Subansiri district celebrated the day at the S H Arena Futsal in Hapoli. The event was organised by the District Ayush Society in collaboration with the district administration and the BJP district unit.
Local MLA Hage Appa, in his address, highlighted the significance of the day and emphasized the benefits of regular yoga practice. He urged the people of Ziro Valley to incorporate yoga into their daily routines to stay fit and maintain harmony between the body, mind, and soul.
Deputy commissioner Oli Perme commended the health department and the district Ayush Society for organising such a meaningful event. She especially encouraged the youth of the valley to embrace yoga, stating that it promotes both physical fitness and mental peace, contributing to overall personal development.
LBSNAA director Sriram Taranikanti, who is on a three-day official visit to the state, also participated in the event.
In Tirap district, the day was observed with equal zeal. Officers and officials, police personnel, principals, headmasters, teachers, and their families took part in the celebrations from their homes, in line with state government directives.
Tirap deputy commissioner Techu Aran, SP Singjatla Singpho, EAC Lazu, and several heads of departments attended a yoga session organised by Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti (VKAJ) at Khonsa.
Addressing the gathering, the DC emphasised that Yoga Day is a reminder to prioritise mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. He encouraged everyone to dedicate time daily for self-care through yoga, noting that, “Daily yoga practice brings health benefits and relief from stress.”
In Upper Siang district, the event was organised at Yingkiong by the district administration in collaboration with the Ayush Society, under the theme “One Earth, One Health.”
Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang graced the occasion along with deputy commissioner Talo Jerang and various health officials.
In his remarks, DC Jerang underscored the importance of yoga in everyday life, stating that “Yoga serves as a powerful means of integrating the mind and body, fostering both physical well-being and mental harmony.”
Keyi Panyor district also observed the day with great enthusiasm and community participation in the scenic Tago area, in collaboration with the health department.
Speaking at the event, deputy commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti said, “It is heartening to see such vibrant participation from across the community. Celebrating Yoga Day amidst nature, with our elders, students, and women leaders, reflects the spirit of unity and wellness we aspire to build in our young district. Yoga is not just an exercise, it’s a way to connect with ourselves, our roots, and the environment around us.”
The event concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward the message of yoga as a holistic way of life, fostering physical vitality, mental clarity, and social harmony.
Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), celebrated the day under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Branded as “Yoga Sangam,” the event was held simultaneously at RGU’s Rono Hills campus, XIII Galo Bane Keba in Pasighat, and government secondary school in Parang, aiming to expand yoga outreach to both urban and rural communities.
At the Rono Hills campus, the event was graced by Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek and presided over by vice chancellor Prof S K Nayak.
Senior university officials and faculty members also attended the celebration.
In Longding district, the district administration marked the occasion in all 14 vibrant villages, promoting yoga as a tool for wellness and community development.
Deputy commissioner Kunal Yadav, led the celebration at Pongchau village, encouraging youth and residents to embrace yoga and say no to drugs for a healthier lifestyle and stronger nation-building efforts.
The IDY was also celebrated in Hawai, Likabali, Mariyang, KVK Longding, Tezu.
