Sri Vijaya Pura, June 22: On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services, A&N Administration organized a grand celebration at the auditorium of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Marina Park, Sri Vijaya Puram today. The event was marked by the active participation of dignitaries, officials, security personnel, and enthusiastic citizens.
As part of the nationwide ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative launched by the Ministry of AYUSH, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the nation from Visakhapatnam. His speech was broadcast live across more than 10 lakh venues, including in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to synchronize yoga sessions as a unified national movement.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted yoga’s timeless value as India’s gift to the world, emphasizing its role in enhancing both personal well-being and global harmony. He envisioned IDY 2025 as more than a ceremonial observance rather, as a global wellness movement under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” He introduced the concept of “Yoga for Humanity 2.0”, underlining the power of yoga in combating modern lifestyle diseases such as heart conditions, obesity, and stress, while also boosting immunity, flexibility, energy, and mental calmness.
The Hon’ble PM also acknowledged the growing global interest in yoga and Ayurvedic practices, citing international outreach initiatives such as Spain’s “Somos India,” which reportedly engaged around 9,000 participants. He advocated for yoga to become a daily practice and lifestyle, not just a once-a-year activity, and lauded innovative participation formats such as yoga chains, iconic site sessions, corporate yoga hours, and dedicated sessions for senior citizens, pregnant women, diabetics, and individuals in de-addiction programs.
At the main function in the Isles, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency led the event.
Also present were Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, PCCF, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Director General of Police, Shri H.S. Dhaliwal, IPS, Shri Prakash Adhikari, Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, (South Andaman), Shri S Shahul Hameed, Chairperson, SVPMC, along with senior officers of the Administration, Heads of Departments, Jawans of the India Reserve Battalion, public representatives, media personnel, and members of the public.
The program began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a welcome of the dignitaries. Yoga Instructors from the AYUSH Unit led a 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol session featuring various asanas and pranayama in a serene and harmonious atmosphere. Ms. Richa, Secretary (Health) and Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, supervised the overall arrangements.
It is noteworthy that Yoga Sangam Sessions were also organised in more than 125 locations including Community Halls, Beaches, Jetties, Parks, Educational Institutes, Health Centres, Anganwadi Centres in all three districts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Over 7500 people from all walks of life took part enthusiastically in the celebrations, reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness through yoga.