Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 21: Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 with multiple events, witnessing a massive participation of people, especially students, at different places.
Leading from the front, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined yoga at a mega celebration and performed asanas as per the Common Yoga Protocol.
“Yoga reduces stress and enhances the quality of life. This ancient Indian tradition ensures harmony of body, mind and spirit. The theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ reflects its holistic approach for humanity,” the Lt Governor said.
Similarly, mass participation was witnessed in schools, stadiums, public grounds and heritage sites as hundreds embraced yoga as a path to mindfulness and wellbeing.
At Srinagar’s historic Clock Tower – locally known as Ghanta Ghar, locals, students and political workers gathered for a community session.
Among them was a college student Sabiya. “My yoga is who I am—calm, centred and strong. It brings me back to myself, especially in these uncertain times,” she said.
The spirit was echoed at SKICC Srinagar, where Health Minister Sakeena Itoo led the session alongside Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and senior officers. “Yoga is not merely a form of exercise; it is a bridge to inner peace and collective harmony,” she said.
The minister highlighted yoga’s role in combating lifestyle diseases and even the drug menace among youth.
In Srinagar, MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi presided over the Yoga Day celebration held at the picturesque Pari Mahal, where participants gathered under the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. Organised by the Archaeological Survey of India, the event beautifully merged heritage and holistic wellness, with students, scholars, and dignitaries like Padma Shri Faisal Ali Dar taking part in the mass yoga session.
The High Court of J&K and Ladakh held a dedicated session at its Srinagar complex, inaugurated by Chief Justice Arun Palli, who stressed the role of yoga in enhancing judicial efficiency and personal well-being. “Embracing yoga as a way of life can significantly improve our cognitive and emotional resilience,” Justice Palli said.
In Jammu, Minister Satish Sharma presided over a grand event at Gulshan Ground. “India has given the world a priceless legacy. Under one sky and one spirit, yoga today connects people across 170 countries,” he said.
At Reasi, a session was held near the Chenab Rail Bridge: the world’s highest railway bridge. DC Nidhi Malik and other top officers joined citizens in performing asanas. “Yoga fosters harmony with nature and self,” she said.
In Poonch, DC Vikas Kundal led a district-wide celebration at the Indoor Sports Hall. Participants joined a live telecast of PM Modi’s address from Visakhapatnam. Certified instructors guided the crowd through breath and bodywork.
In Kathua, despite rain, hundreds gathered at the Sports Stadium. DC Dr Rakesh Minhas, MLAs and PRI members joined the mega session. Participants also took a pledge to make yoga part of their daily life.
In Samba, Yoga was celebrated under the banner “Yoga Sangam” at Rani Suchet Singh Indoor Stadium with guidance from DC and Director AYUSH Dr. Nuzhat Bashir Shah. Medicinal plants were presented to dignitaries as a nod to traditional healing systems.
In Doda, at Gatha Park Bhaderwah, over hundreds of participants, including differently-abled persons, NCC cadets, and elders, attended a vibrant session led by expert Acharya Anil. A tree plantation drive titled “Harit Yoga” and a painting competition added colour to the day.
In Kishtwar, hundreds of people joined celebrations at Chowgan Grounds, with participation from security forces, students, and civil society. Yoga was simultaneously observed in educational institutions, Anganwadi centres, and remote subdivisions like Marwah and Chatroo.
In Udhampur, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) organised a yoga session led by trained instructors from Bharatiya Yog Sansthan. Judicial officers and legal staff participated with zeal.
Similarly, in Jammu, the Forest Protection Force and Wildlife Protection Department jointly hosted a session in Sidhra, underlining yoga’s importance for field officers engaged in conservation work. (KNO)
