GUWAHATI/ SHILLONG/ AIZAWL/ ITANAGAR/ GANGTOK/ IMPHAL/ AGARTALA, JUN 21 ( PTI/IANS): Along with the rest of the world and the country, the 8 NE states observed the International Day of Yoga at various levels.
ASSAM: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday urged all to make yoga a part of their daily lives, calling the traditional practice “India’s gift to the world”. He said yoga is being promoted as a way to achieve an active and disease-free lifestyle.
Sarma participated in the state-level celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Brahmaputra Riverfront here, along with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. As part of the Yoga Day, simultaneous sessions were organised across 23,498 villages at 37,383 venues, with participation of over 32 lakh women self-help group members, under a joint initiative by National Ayush Mission and Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission, officials said.
“Rooted in the timeless wisdom of Bharat, Yoga continues to guide millions towards a healthier, more balanced and mindful life. On #InternationalYogaDay, let us celebrate this ancient tradition and resolve to make it a part of our daily lives,” Sarma said in a post on X.
In a series of social media posts, he said yoga is India’s gift to the world and an ancient ingredient for a fit and healthy lifestyle. “Under the stewardship of Adarniya @narendramodi ji, this healthy practice is now a global movement. This morning, I joined Smt. @nsitharaman ji for a yoga session by the Brahmaputra,” he added.
Sarma said over the last 12 years, the way to an active and disease-free lifestyle is being promoted through Yoga Day.
From kids to the elderly, yoga helps everyone heal and stay rejuvenated, and the prime minister is leading from the front in showing its benefits, the CM said.
“My message to everyone, especially the younger generation — take fitness seriously & inculcate yoga as a part of your daily life,” Sarma added.
MEGHALAYA: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday said he sought Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s intervention for expediting key infrastructure projects in the state, including Shillong Airport expansion and strategic road connectivity along the India-Bangladesh border.
Sangma said several projects require the cooperation of the armed forces.
“We have requested the defence minister to help the state government achieve these goals,” he told reporters, following an International Yoga Day event at the Advanced Landing Ground in Upper Shillong near here.
Sangma said the state was receiving “full support” from the Defence Ministry for the expansion of Shillong Airport and the defence minister had also backed the proposed four-laning of the Rilbong-Barik Point stretch in the city. The chief minister said he also raised the issue of improving connectivity between Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills district and Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills district, describing it as a critical missing link close to the India-Bangladesh border with strategic significance. “We share a very long and important border with Bangladesh. The road connectivity from Ranikor to Dalu has already been established,” he said.
Sangma said the corridor would ultimately connect through National Highway 217 and National Highway 127B to the Phulbari-Dhubri Bridge, creating an important route towards Silchar. “There is a gap in the Ratecherra-Ranikor stretch, and we have requested the Defence Ministry that this be declared a strategic road not just for economic or civilian purposes but also for ensuring the security of the nation,” he said.
Sangma said Rajnath Singh had responded positively to the proposal.
“I have requested the defence minister to consider declaring this a strategic road. He said he will look into the matter,” the CM added.
AIZAWL: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Sunday termed yoga a “holistic practice” that promotes the well-being of the body and the mind.
He led the state-level celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Assam Rifles Helipad in Aizawl’s Zokhawsang area.
The event, organised by the National AYUSH Mission and the Directorate of AYUSH under the theme ‘Yoga for healthy ageing’, drew around 300 participants, including personnel from Assam Rifles, Mizo Air Squadron NCC and government officials, official sources said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii also attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, the governor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating yoga to global prominence.
He said that yoga is a holistic practice that promotes the well-being of the body and the mind.
“Yoga is intended to bring harmony within the system,” he said.
Singh also highlighted yoga’s accessibility and affordability, noting that it requires no special equipment and can be practised virtually anywhere, making it suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Lalrinpuii said Mizoram’s observance reflected the state’s participation in a global movement promoting peace, wellness and healthy living.
She said that yoga offers balance and tranquillity amid the pressures of modern life.
“Yoga is a simple exercise that everyone can practice. It welcomes all and has a place for everyone,” the minister said.
The Yoga Day was also observed in district hospitals, health and wellness centres and educational institutions across the state, officials said.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH: Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday celebrated International Day of Yoga by holding several sessions across the state, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu saying that “yoga unites all in strength, discipline and wellness”.
Leading the state-level celebrations at Jang in Tawang district, Khandu joined school children, personnel of the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), public representatives, officials and locals in a mass yoga session.
“Incredible energy at Jang as we celebrated International Day of Yoga with school children, the Indian Army, CAPF personnel, BRO, public representatives, officials and citizens. Yoga unites us in strength, discipline and wellness,” he said on X after the programme.
The chief minister described yoga as India’s timeless gift to humanity and said it offers a path to physical well-being, mental clarity and inner peace.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has evolved into a global movement, inspiring millions of people worldwide to adopt a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Khandu urged people to make yoga a part of their daily routine and work collectively towards building a healthier, happier and more harmonious society.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein participated in a yoga session here, along with Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona and others.
In a social media post, Mein said yoga nurtures the body, calms the mind and awakens the soul, while promoting balance, resilience and inner peace.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, he called upon people to embrace the transformative power of yoga and adopt practices that promote vitality, well-being and graceful ageing.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly observed the day with a special yoga session at the Assembly Complex.
MLA Hayeng Mangfi, Assembly Secretary Tadar Meena, Joint Secretary K Jugli, along with officers and staff of the Assembly, participated in the programme.
MANIPUR: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting yoga as a means of building a healthier, fitter, and stronger society,
Accompanied by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Chief Minister participated in the state-level celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day 2026 at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium here.
The Chief Minister, in a statement later, said that the enthusiastic participation of people from all sections of society truly reflected the spirit of this year’s theme: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
“We remain committed to promoting yoga as a pathway to a healthier, fitter and more resilient Manipur,” he said.
Khemchand Singh noted that yoga continues to inspire healthy living, inner balance and collective well-being, while contributing significantly to both physical and mental wellness.
The 12th International Yoga Day was observed across Manipur with widespread participation, joining millions of people across the country and around the world in celebrating the ancient practice and its enduring benefits.
The programme began with the live streaming of the main national event from Kolkata, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of International Yoga Day. The Governor, the Chief Minister, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, other ministers, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, legislators, senior officials and other dignitaries attended the programme and took part in the celebrations.
The event witnessed the participation of more than 1,000 individuals, including students, government employees, yoga practitioners, security personnel and people from diverse walks of life.
Their active involvement underscored the growing awareness of the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and well-being.
Governor Bhalla also led participants in performing various yoga ‘asanas’ and encouraged people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines. He stressed that regular practice of yoga can contribute significantly to a healthy lifestyle, mental peace and overall well-being.
This year’s International Day of Yoga is being observed globally under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting yoga’s role in promoting physical vitality, mental clarity and emotional well-being throughout every stage of life.
The observance in Manipur also extended to Lok Bhavan in Imphal, where Governor Bhalla and First Lady Jyoti Bhalla led officers and staff in a yoga session conducted in a serene and disciplined atmosphere. Participants performed a series of yoga exercises and reaffirmed their commitment to adopting healthier lifestyles through regular practice. The celebrations across the state reflected the growing popularity of yoga and reinforced its message of harmony, wellness, and resilience, in line with the broader objectives of fostering a healthier and more prosperous society.
SIKKIM: Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday extended greetings on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga and urged people to embrace yoga as a way of life for better health, harmony and overall well-being.
The state-level Yoga Day programme was held at Ridge Park here, with hundreds of people, including the governor, cabinet ministers, MLAs, students, and government officials, taking part.
Mathur, in his message, described yoga as an invaluable part of India’s rich ancient heritage.
“Yoga is India’s priceless gift to the world,” the governor said, adding it has received global recognition through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”. He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for healthy ageing’, highlights the relevance of yoga at every stage of life and its role in maintaining mental and physical health.
The governor further said that Sikkim’s unique geographical and natural environment offers ideal conditions for yoga and meditation, presenting immense potential for the state to emerge as a global yoga destination.
He urged people to make yoga a part of their daily routine rather than limiting it to a one-day celebration and called upon citizens to adopt it as a way of life in the journey towards a prosperous Sikkim and a developed India.
The CM, in his message on the occasion, said this year’s theme reflects the timeless wisdom of yoga in promoting physical vitality, mental well-being, emotional balance and a healthier life across all stages of ageing.
Sikkim, with its pristine mountains, spiritual heritage and deep connection with nature, has always embodied the values of balance, sustainability and holistic living, he said.
“Yoga finds a natural place in our way of life, encouraging us to nurture healthier communities and strengthen our bond with the environment,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the PM for taking yoga to the global stage, Tamang said the ancient Indian practice has inspired millions around the world to embrace health, wellness and harmony.
Tamang urged people to renew their commitment to making yoga an integral part of their daily lives and work together towards building a healthier, peaceful and sustainable world.
TRIPURA: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that the importance of yoga in leading a disease-free, healthy and balanced life is immeasurable, while urging people to make the ancient practice an integral part of their daily routine.
Participating in the state-level celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall on the outskirts of Agartala, the Chief Minister said that yoga has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Highlighting the global significance of yoga, Saha said that the ancient Indian tradition of yoga and pranayama is today conveying a unique message of human welfare, harmony and well-being across the world.
“On the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a proposal to observe ‘International Yoga Day’ was presented before the global community in 2014. With the unanimous support of a large number of countries, June 21 has been celebrated every year as International Yoga Day since 2015,” said Saha, who is a dental surgeon by profession.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the Chief Minister said that he joined the mass yoga practice programme organised at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall to promote the benefits of yoga among people of all age groups.
“On this occasion, I urge everyone to build a healthy, balanced and conscious lifestyle through regular yoga practice. Yoga not only strengthens the body but also helps in achieving mental peace, discipline and inner harmony,” he said.
The programme witnessed the participation of Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, other ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and people from different sections of society, who joined the Chief Minister in performing yoga exercises and pranayama.
Meanwhile, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu attended the Sepahijala district-level observance of the 12th International Yoga Day at Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Higher Secondary School in Charilam, where a large number of participants took part in the yoga session.
International Yoga Day was also celebrated across various districts, subdivisions and localities of the state with enthusiasm and active public participation.
Tripura Agriculture and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the world on Sunday.
“As part of the global observance, the day was also marked across Tripura, including at the grassroots and local levels, with active participation from people belonging to different age groups and communities,” Nath said.
A vibrant Yoga Day programme was organised in the Mohanpur area, where students, youth representatives and local residents participated enthusiastically, adding energy and vibrancy to the celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Nath emphasised that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a holistic discipline that nurtures a healthy body, a calm mind and a balanced lifestyle. He noted that regular yoga practice helps improve overall well-being and contributes to a more productive and stress-free life.
The Minister called upon people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and reaffirm their commitment to maintaining good health, inner strength and mental resilience through consistent practice.
The programmes held across Tripura formed part of the nationwide celebrations aimed at spreading awareness about the benefits of yoga and encouraging people to adopt healthier, more disciplined and sustainable lifestyles. The widespread participation in the events reflected the growing popularity of yoga and its relevance in promoting holistic wellness in modern life.