Vinod Bhat
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led the Armed Forces in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) by performing various asanas and breathing exercises with approximately 2,500 soldiers at Northern Command, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir on June 21, 2025. In his address, he credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for popularising Yoga globally and highlighted that the practice provides a holistic approach to health & well-being. He termed Yoga as a universal solution to the problems faced by people in today’s fast-paced world such as stress, anxiety and depression.
“Yoga gives clarity to the people in chaos. It is an art, a science, a philosophy, and spirituality. Those who practice Yoga in their daily lives have control over their body and mind. It makes us proactive, not reactive,” Raksha Mantri said.
Describing Operation Sindoor as a shining example of that control, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that Indian Armed Forces displayed restraint, balance and precision during the operation, which is a reflection of their inner strength attained by practising Yoga. He stated that India’s social & communal unity was targeted through the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor was a clear message to Pakistan that it will face the consequences for supporting terror activities against India.
“Operation Sindoor is the natural progression of the surgical strike of 2016 and the air strike of 2019. It was executed in such a way that Pakistan requested for a ceasefire, and only then have we put a pause to the operation. As I have said earlier, Operation Sindoor is not over yet. India is fully prepared to take all kinds of action against terrorism,” said Raksha Mantri.
Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that Pakistan wants to weaken India from within, but it should never forget that just like Major Somnath Sharma, Brigadier Usman too sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of the country. He added that when the nation is celebrating International Day of Yoga, it should remember the true meaning of the practice, which is to connect every section of society with the culture and soul of India. “If even one section is left behind, the wheel of unity and security is broken. Therefore, today, we should perform yoga at the level of society & thought and not just body,” he said.
Raksha Mantri appreciated the inclination of the Armed Forces personnel towards Yoga which has a direct impact on their discipline and focus. Yoga prepares a soldier physically and mentally and its benefits can be seen in the battlefield, he said, encouraging the soldiers to continue practicing it daily.
Reiterating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s statement that ‘Yoga is India’s gift to the world’, Raksha Mantri stated that it is not just a diplomatic quote, but a vision. Through Yoga, India has given the world a tool which is beyond any border, religion, and culture, he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the theme of International Day of Yoga each year – One Earth, One Health this year – sends a global message that India thinks not only for itself, but for the welfare of the world. “The whole world is a family and working for it is a part of our thinking. Yoga is a practical expression of this thinking,” he said.
Raksha Mantri added that Yoga is silently changing the world and every citizen should be proud of the fact that India’s ancient tradition is being recognised and accepted globally. He dubbed it as a responsibility to not just practice Yoga as a trend but make it a way of life. “There is a need to incorporate Yoga as a resolution in our lives. It should be a part of our daily routine as it brings positive changes in everyone’s life,” he said while concluding his speech.
The event was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma.
All the participants witnessed the Prime Minister’s speech on IDY 2025 which he delivered during the main event from Visakhapatnam. Yoga sessions were also performed at numerous forward locations in the challenging terrain of J&K and Ladakh regions, showcasing the commitment and enthusiasm of our soldiers.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth graced the IDY-2025 celebrations at PM Shree High School, Kumhariya in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Addressing the students and officials, he underscored the importance of yoga in building a healthy nation. He highlighted the discipline and energy yoga brings, encouraging everyone, especially children, to adopt yoga in their daily lives. He lauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s role in promoting yoga globally.
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence practised Yoga at an event organised at the Office of Controller General Defence Accounts in New Delhi.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff celebrated the International Day of Yoga at the National War Memorial and Museum, New Delhi. Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was the Chief Guest, underscoring the Armed Forces’ commitment to wellness and unity.
At Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, more than 1,500 doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and patients enthusiastically participated in the Yoga Day event. As a symbol of commitment to the environment and sustainable health, Commandant Lt Gen Shankar Narayan, Deputy Commandant Maj Gen Amul Kapoor, staff, and patients also undertook a tree plantation drive within the hospital premises.
