12th International Day of Yoga 2026 observed at Gangtok

Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to humanity: Governor 

GANGTOK,  (IPR): The Department of AYUSH, Government of Sikkim, observed the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari, Gangtok, on Sunday with enthusiastic participation from yoga practitioners, students, government officials and members of the public.

The programme was graced by the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, as the chief guest along with Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Minister for AYUSH, GT Dhungel.

The event also had the presence of Ministers; MLAs; Advisors; Political Secretary to CM; Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Indra Hang Subba; Advisors; Chairpersons; Chief Secretary R Telang; Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva; Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation; along with Press Secretary to CM; heads of departments; OSDs; Nodal Officers for Yoga from various departments; Police personnel from ITBP,SSB & Sikkim Police; students and officers and staff of the Government of Sikkim.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Om Prakash Mathur extended his greetings on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga. Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” he remarked that yoga is a timeless practice that benefits individuals throughout every stage of life, helping children improve concentration, enabling youth to manage stress, and supporting senior citizens in leading active and healthy lives.

The Governor described yoga as India’s invaluable gift to humanity and noted with pride that the global observance of International Yoga Day reflected the universal acceptance of this ancient practice. He recalled the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in advocating for a dedicated day focused on health and wellness, which has since evolved into a worldwide movement promoting holistic wellbeing.

Highlighting the recent achievement of over four lakh participants joining a nationwide online yoga session that entered the Guinness World Records, he commended the enthusiastic participation of the people of Sikkim in the initiative. He stated that the achievement symbolised the collective commitment of citizens towards health, wellness, and nation building.

The Governor further observed that a healthy population forms the foundation of a strong and developed nation. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he urged the youth to prioritise their health and adopt yoga, pranayama, and balanced living as essential components of a productive and purposeful life.

Concluding his address, the Governor while lauding Sikkim’s pristine natural environment, said the State possesses immense potential to emerge as a global destination for yoga, meditation, and spiritual wellness. He urged citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives and work collectively towards building a healthier, happier, and more prosperous Sikkim while contributing to the vision of a developed India.

Addressing the gathering, Minister for Health, Culture and AYUSH, GT Dhungel expressed his gratitude to all participants for joining the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations.

Emphasising the significance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” the Minister described yoga as an effective tool for achieving an improved quality of life and overall well-being.

He also lauded the overwhelming response received during the recently concluded 14-day hybrid yoga programme organised under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. He informed that Sikkim registered 1,55,623 participants, securing the second-highest number of registrations in the country and emerging as the top-performing state in terms of population participation, with nearly 26 per cent of its population taking part in the initiative.

Crediting the achievement to the encouragement and guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, the minister thanked government departments, educational institutions, associations, and citizens for their enthusiastic participation. He stated that the accomplishment reflected the collective commitment of the people of Sikkim towards health, wellness, and community engagement.

The minister further informed that the yoga initiative has been extended until July 5 and encouraged citizens to continue participating regularly. Concluding his address, the minister urged people to embrace yoga as a way of life, promote positive thinking, and work collectively towards building a healthier and happier Sikkim.

Earlier in her welcome address, AYUSH secretary Suchitra Rasaily expressed her gratitude to everyone for their participation in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations held at Swarna Jayanti Maitri Manjari, Ridge Park, Gangtok.

Highlighting this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” she noted that the observance reflected a collective commitment towards promoting holistic health, well-being, and healthy lifestyles through the practice of yoga.

She also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who could not attend the programme. She acknowledged the guidance and support of the State government, particularly the Department of AYUSH, in successfully organising the event. Concluding her address, she underscored the significance of yoga as a means of fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being and thanked all stakeholders for their contribution towards making the celebration a success.

On the occasion, the Governor launched a guided yoga video on Office Wellness and Cancer Wellness Yoga Protocol. The programme also featured the announcement and distribution of cash prizes to schools that recorded the highest participation under the Har Ghar Yoga Campaign.

Government Secondary School, Rhenock Bazar, Pakyong District, secured the top position in the Junior High School category and received a cash prize of Rs 20,000, which was accepted by Ganesh Chettri. In the Secondary School category, PM Shri Government Secondary School, Ralap, Gangtok District, was awarded Rs 30,000, received by Rajendra Mangar, Primary Teacher, on behalf of the school. PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Rhenock, Pakyong District, emerged as the highest participant in the Senior Secondary School category and received a cash prize of Rs 50,000, accepted by Ram Singh.

A mass yoga session followed the formal programme, with participants performing various yogic practices under the guidance of Dr Sumiran Tamang, Dr Kunzang Yezir Bhutia and Dr Youngkent Lepcha.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Ganita Thapa, principal director-cum-mission director, National AYUSH Mission, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants and stakeholders for making the celebration a success.