Imphal: In a major cooperative initiative to promote health, wellness and harmony amid the ongoing ethnic crisis, Assam Rifles celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga on June 21 2026 across various locations in Manipur. The widespread celebrations marked the successful culmination of a comprehensive 100-day yoga run-up, which featured daily yoga sessions, awareness campaigns, interactive discussions on health benefits and active digital engagement through online yoga sessions organized across formations. Grounded in this year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the massive campaign aimed to integrate preventive healthcare and holistic wellness into the daily lives of troops, families and local communities while strengthening critical civil-military relations.
The collaborative events on June 20 witnessed the active participation of a total of more than 1200 enthusiasts including security personnel as well as civilians to include local villagers, students, women, youth and village authorities at varied locations. The events spanned diverse terrains from valley areas to hills and forward positions along the Indo-Myanmar border. Mass sessions were seamlessly organized at Malom and Keithalmanbi Garrison’s Dronacharya Hall in Imphal West district; Koirengei and the Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) at the Col Viplav Tripathi Training Shed in Mantripukhri, Imphal East district; various locations in Imphal and other districts of 165 Inf Bn (TA); and Thoubal and Phundrei in Thoubal district. Widespread sessions also took place at Nungba in Noney district and Somsai Garrison alongside various Company Operating Bases in Ukhrul district. Further events were executed at Kakching in Kakching district; Khonkhang, Pallel Garrison, Machi, Moltuk, Larong and Modi in Chandel and Tengnoupal districts; as well as forward locations including Longakoireng, Janglenphai, Waroiching, Irengbam, Nambol, Komlakhong, Sajik Tampak, Aishi, Aigegang, Joupi, Sehlon, Molcham, Phaisangjang, Changpol, Gampazhol, Old Samtal and New Samtal.
Under the guidance of trained instructors, participants executed the Common Yoga Protocol, practicing a structural sequence of asanas, pranayama, breathing exercises and meditation techniques. These sessions were deliberately tailored to enhance physical endurance, flexibility, strength, mental focus and emotional resilience. Given the regional climate, special emphasis was laid on incorporating specific techniques suitable for the monsoon season to boost immunity, cardiovascular health and respiratory efficiency.
For security personnel operating in challenging terrains and high-pressure environments, the practices were emphasized as essential tools for stress management, self-discipline and long-term operational readiness. The historic mass drive concluded across all locations with interactive community engagement and a collective pledge by all participants to sustain regular yoga practice, thereby fostering an active culture of fitness and mutual solidarity within society, said Col. Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence, Guwahati.
