Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh joined the global observance of International Yoga Day with vibrant events across the state on Saturday, reflecting a collective commitment to health and harmony.
Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) K.T. Parnaik and Chief Minister Pema Khandu led the celebrations, emphasising the transformative power of yoga for both personal well-being and planetary health.
The Governor participated in a yoga session at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar, championing the theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
He highlighted yoga’s evolution into a universal practice that bridges cultures, religions, and nations.
“Yoga fosters inner peace that leads to outer harmony, offering a timeless gift of balance for body, mind, and spirit,” Parnaik said, urging citizens to adopt yoga as a daily routine for a healthier future.
Parnaik acknowledged the global recognition yoga gained under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with the UN’s 2014 declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day.
“From sacred riverbanks to global platforms, yoga now connects hearts across continents,” he remarked, drawing attention to its roots in non-violence, truth, and ecological mindfulness.
Khandu celebrated the day in Itanagar, describing yoga as a unifying force for body, mind, and consciousness.
“This year’s theme reminds us to prioritise wellness not just for ourselves but for the planet,” Khandu stated in a social media message, encouraging daily yoga practice for holistic health and harmony.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein led celebrations at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai district, sharing his personal experience with yoga.
“It’s not just a routine; it’s a way to align the mind, body, and soul,” Mein said, urging the youth to dedicate even a few minutes daily to this transformative practice.
Union Minister Shantanu Thakur spearheaded a yoga session at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in Anini, Dibang Valley, underscoring yoga’s global embrace as a source of strength during challenging times.
Local MLA Mopi Mihu echoed this sentiment, highlighting yoga’s role in fostering mental clarity and emotional resilience.
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In Itanagar, BJP President Kaling Moyong and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tashing joined party workers in a yoga event at the state office, emphasizing collective well-being through yoga.
Across Arunachal Pradesh, participants—from remote villages to state offices—gathered to celebrate yoga’s enduring legacy, embracing its promise of health, harmony, and sustainability for a brighter future.