Sri Vijaya Puram, June 21: The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was observed with great enthusiasm and fervour across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands today. The main function, organized by the AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services, A&N Administration, was held at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island under the nationwide initiative ‘Yoga Sangam – Mass Yoga Demonstration.’ The event witnessed the participation of dignitaries, senior officials, security personnel, yoga enthusiasts and members of the public.
Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Admiral D. K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, attended as the guest of honour.
Among those present were Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration; Smt. Vasanta Muthuraman, Chairperson, SVPMC; Shri Ravindra Singh Yadav, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands; Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), A&N Islands; 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 programme commenced with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by a ceremonial welcome, lighting of the lamp, and rendition of the National Song and National Anthem. As part of the celebrations, a tree plantation drive under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was undertaken by the Hon’ble Union Minister, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and others, conveying a strong message of environmental conservation and sustainable living.
A major highlight of the event was the live telecast of the address by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga. Following the telecast, the dignitaries, officials and participants joined the Mass Yoga Demonstration and performed the Common Yoga Protocol under the guidance of trained yoga instructors. The serene and picturesque surroundings of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island provided an ideal backdrop for the event, symbolizing the harmony between nature and wellness that yoga embodies.
The dignitaries highlighted the transformative role of yoga in enhancing physical fitness, mental resilience and overall well-being. They encouraged citizens to embrace yoga as a regular practice and to spread awareness about its numerous health benefits.
The observance of International Day of Yoga 2026 extended far beyond the main venue, with Mass Yoga Demonstration Sessions organized at more than 125 locations across all three districts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Yoga sessions were conducted at community halls, beaches, jetties, parks, educational institutions, health centres and Anganwadi centres, ensuring widespread participation from all sections of society.
More than 8000 people from diverse walks of life enthusiastically took part in the celebrations, reflecting the growing acceptance of yoga as a holistic approach to health and wellness. The overwhelming response reinforced the Administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and overall well-being among the people of the Islands.