Assam Prepares for International Yoga Day with Global Collaborations and Widespread Outreach

Assam is ramping up its preparations for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), scheduled for June 21, with a major focus on state-wide and global outreach. This was confirmed during a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Health Minister Ashok Singhal, which included participation from all District and Co-District Commissioners. The objective was to assess district-level preparedness and mobilize support for a broad and inclusive celebration of IDY.

During the meeting, Minister Singhal emphasized that yoga should not be perceived as a one-day ceremonial event, but rather as a sustained, year-round health practice. He urged officials to treat IDY as a mass movement that encourages participation from every section of society. This approach aligns with the overarching goal of promoting yoga as a holistic solution for personal and community well-being.

This year, the central IDY celebration in Assam will be held at Salbari in the Baksa district. The location was finalized following an on-site review by AYUSH Director Indranoshi Das and the Deputy Commissioner of Baksa, and it has been approved by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In addition to the main event, programs and activities are planned across all 35 districts of the state. These include yoga demonstrations, awareness campaigns, and competitions involving students, panchayats, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and other community institutions.

The theme for IDY 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” which highlights the interdependence between individual wellness and environmental sustainability. Reflecting this theme, the Ministry of AYUSH has introduced several national and international initiatives:

1. Yoga Sangama: A synchronized mass yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 global locations with the aim of setting a world record.

2. Yoga Bandhan: Collaborative yoga sessions at iconic locations in 10 partner countries.

3. Yoga Parks: Establishment of 1,000 dedicated yoga spaces across India for public use.

4. Yoga Samavesh: Inclusive programs targeting senior citizens, children, differently-abled individuals, and underserved communities.

5. Yoga Maha Kumbh: A week-long festival held in 10 cities, culminating in a national event led by the Prime Minister.

6. Harit Yoga: Yoga activities combined with tree plantation drives and cleanliness campaigns to support sustainability.

7. Yoga Connect Virtual Global Summit: A platform for international experts and healthcare professionals to share insights.

8. Yoga Prabhava: A decade-long review of yoga’s impact on public health.

9. Yoga Unplugged: Youth-focused challenges and events to engage younger audiences.

10. Samyogam: A 100-day program integrating yoga with modern healthcare for comprehensive community wellness.

Assam will localize several of these initiatives to maximize community engagement. Countdown events and promotional drives are being planned across media platforms to boost participation and awareness.

A state-wide Yoga Asana Competition based on the Common Yoga Protocol will be held, categorized into four age groups. District Commissioners will lead its execution, supported by AYUSH officials and local NGOs. All participants will receive certificates, and winners will be felicitated on June 21.

Minister Singhal called for coordinated efforts from educational institutions, the armed forces, NSS, NCC, local governance bodies, and civil society to ensure that the celebration is inclusive and representative of all age groups and communities. The aim is to transform IDY into a collective health movement, deeply rooted in both tradition and modern wellness practices.