Unity in Asanas: Manipur celebrates 12th International Yoga Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 21 2026:
The 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 was observed across Manipur today under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", with thousands from diverse sectors joining mass sessions to promote holistic health, discipline, and mental well-being.
Healthcare & Academia
At the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma led the Common Yoga Protocol at Gym Khana.
The Medical Superintendent, Dean (Academic), CAO-cum-Financial Advisor, HoDs, faculty, nursing officials, resident doctors, staff, and students actively participated.
Prof Sunil Kumar called yoga an evidence-based, cost-effective practice that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy ageing, urging its adoption from an early age to prevent lifestyle diseases.
BRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, held a guided session on asanas, pranayama, and meditation for scientists, officers, staff, research scholars, and students.
Officials said the theme highlights yoga's role in longevity, mobility, and independence, and resolved to make it a daily routine while spreading awareness in communities.
Ibotombi Institute of Education, Canchipur, celebrated under its IQAC.
Principal Dr RK Bijen Singh emphasized yoga's role in improving concentration and reducing stress.
Level-1 Yoga Instructor Sinam Birbala Devi led the session for students and staff.
Public Outreach & Administration
The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Regional Office, Imphal, and PIB Imphal jointly organised a programme at the CBC Auditorium.
Dr N Reena, Field Publicity Officer; M Rustum, Assistant Director, CBC Chandel; Pushpa Maibam, Media & Communication Officer, PIB; and Dr Khadangbam Mukta Singh, Head of Yoga and Physical Education, Manipur International University, addressed the gathering.
CBC artists also presented a theme song.
Dr Reena described yoga as a priceless gift from India, urging daily practice for a balanced lifestyle.
M Rustum said yoga transcends religion and fosters inner peace.
Pushpa Maibam highlighted its role in managing stress and women's health after 40, recommending Surya Namaskar, breathing exercises, and office yoga, and cited resources on the iGOT platform.
Dr Mukta Singh stressed yoga's importance amid rising lifestyle diseases.
A practical session followed, with participants pledging daily practice.
Armed Forces & Security
CRPF units observed the day with enthusiasm.
86 Bn CRPF, Lamphelpat, under Commandant Saurabh Kumar Choudhary, held sessions at HQ and company locations with CMO Dr Florence Dangmei, officers, and jawans, underlining yoga's role in health and resilience in tough terrains.
69 Bn CRPF, Mantripukhri, conducted a mass session under Commandant SA Rojan Zimik with officers, jawans, and families joining online and offline.
The PM's address was broadcast via PA system and asanas were performed alongside the 'Yoga Sangam' event in Kolkata.
The Commandant noted yoga's value for physical fitness and emotional balance under challenging duty conditions.
143 Bn CRPF celebrated at HQ Lamphelpat and all coy locations.
Following a 100-day countdown with regular and Ministry of AYUSH online sessions, the main event saw officers, jawans, and civilians participate.
Commandant Ravinder Sharma called yoga transformative, representing body-mind harmony, and urged its daily adoption.
Sainik School Imphal witnessed active participation from officers, staff, families, day scholars, police, and villagers.
A trained instructor guided asanas and meditation, reflecting India's cultural heritage and the PM's global push for yoga.
Sports & Youth Development
SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) Imphal hosted a major celebration at the New Multipurpose Hall, SAI NERC Takyelpat.
Around 300 athletes and coaches from NCOE Imphal.
STC Khuman Lampak, and STC Utlou, plus retired coaches and officials, joined.
Yoga Instructor Naorem Sharmila led the session, which included a live screening of the PM's Kolkata address.
Deputy Director Laijing L Maring urged athletes to integrate yoga for a healthy body, focused mind, and resilient spirit.
Under NCC NER, Group Headquarters Imphal organised sessions at Marjing Hill, Kangla Gate, Khongjom War Memorial, Loktak Lake, and across all districts.
Around 3,000 cadets of 1 Manipur Air Sqn NCC, 14 Manipur Bn NCC, and 65 Manipur Girls Bn NCC participated with ANOs and PI Staff under the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health".
14 Manipur Bn NCC alone fielded 1,000 cadets at NSU Khumanlampak, Marjing Hill, Kangla Fort, Khongjom, Loktak, Churachandpur, and Ukhrul, showcasing unity and discipline.
Civil Society & Political Participation
BJP Keirao Mandal observed the day at Kyamgei Mamang Leikai Turf Ground.
Keirao AC MLA L Rameshwor, Mandal president M Pashuram, and members took part.
Pashuram credited PM Narendra Modi for elevating yoga internationally and said it is an easy practice that prevents disease and ensures mental peace, urging citizens to practice daily.
Across Manipur, institutions and organisations concluded with a collective resolve to adopt yoga regularly for holistic development, balance, and overall wellness.
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