The 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated across Manipur on Sunday with enthusiastic participation from government officials, security personnel, healthcare professionals, students, environmental groups and yoga practitioners, joining the global observance under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The state-level celebration was held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Imphal, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the observance. The Governor witnessed the live telecast of the national event from Kolkata, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation. More than 1,000 participants, including students, public servants, security personnel and members of the public, joined the mass yoga session. Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and senior government officials also attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor underscored the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life, highlighting its benefits for physical fitness, mental well-being and emotional balance. A separate yoga session was also held at Raj Bhavan, where the Governor and the First Lady joined officers and staff in observing the occasion.
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, also marked the day with a yoga session at its Gymkhana. Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, who participated along with senior officials, faculty members, doctors, nursing staff and students, described yoga as an evidence-based, cost-effective and inclusive practice that promotes healthy ageing and overall wellness. He encouraged people across all age groups to adopt yoga as a daily habit to prevent lifestyle-related diseases and improve quality of life.
Security forces across the state joined the celebration as well. The 86 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), under the Manipur and Nagaland Sector, organised yoga sessions at its headquarters in Lamphelpat and various company locations. Officers, jawans and medical personnel participated in the programme aimed at enhancing physical resilience, mental fitness and overall well-being among security personnel.
In Chandel district, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Field Office Chandel, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, organised a Special Outreach Programme at Chandropoto Village. The programme focused on the significance of yoga in promoting longevity, active lifestyles and mental well-being. Village Chief Marim Philipboy, Phantu Youth Club President Th. Ranbi, Secretary Th. Abunglen and Bharat Swabhiman Trust President N. Gitchandra Singh attended the event.
Speaking as the resource person and yoga instructor, N. Gitchandra Singh explained the history and significance of International Day of Yoga and elaborated on the physical and mental health benefits of regular yoga practice. He also conducted practical demonstrations of various yoga exercises. A quiz competition was organised as part of the programme, and prizes were distributed to the winners.
Adding an environmental dimension to the celebrations, yoga and meditation sessions under the banner “Ghat Par Yoga & Meditation” were organised at four locations along the Nambul River in Imphal West district. Held with the message “Clean Mind, Clean Water,” the programmes brought together local residents and river conservation groups at Keishamthong, Pishum Oinam Leikai, Naoremthong Khulem Leikai and Iroisemba. The events were supported by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change under the aegis of the National River Conservation Directorate, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Meanwhile, Bharat Swabhiman (Trust), Patanjali Yog Samiti and the 20th Century Club jointly organised a yoga programme at Haobam Marak Chingtham Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West, drawing participation from local residents and yoga enthusiasts.