Manipur observes International Yoga Day with enthusiasm, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla leads celebrations
Short Summary of the News
Manipur marked the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, with a state-level event at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium. Over 900 participants—including students, officials, practitioners, security personnel, and members of the public—joined the session led by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Emphasizing yoga’s transformative power, Bhalla urged people to incorporate it into daily life for better physical and mental health. The theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” promoted unity, sustainability, and mindful living. A more intimate session also took place at Raj Bhavan, where the Governor guided staff and officials in yoga under serene surroundings
Introduction
Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or simply curious about its rising global appeal, this write-up on Manipur’s 10th International Day of Yoga is packed with insights. We’ll explore why this day matters, what unfolded in Imphal, and how this celebration connects with broader themes of health, unity, and sustainability. Ready? Let’s embark on this journey.
1. What Is the International Day of Yoga?
Declared by the United Nations in December 2014, June 21 was officially named the International Day of Yoga, following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . This date wasn’t chosen at random—it’s the Summer Solstice, symbolizing balance, energy, and harmony—qualities that align perfectly with yoga’s ethos
Every year since 2015, June 21 has been marked globally with events that bring communities together through yoga. Fast forward to 2025, and this movement has become a global wellness phenomenon.
2. The 2025 Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
This year’s theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal health and planetary health. It complements India’s G20 vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The message? You can’t separate your wellbeing from that of the environment
More than just yoga poses on a mat—it’s a wake-up call to live mindfully, embrace sustainability, and nurture both body and planet.
3. Yoga Celebration in Manipur: Imphal Takes the Lead
In Imphal, at the iconic Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Manipur-led Yoga Day garnered significant momentum. Let’s dive into the details:
3.1 Who Participated?
- Over 900 participants including students, officials, teachers, security forces, and public enthusiasts came together.
- Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla personally led the group, underlining the practice’s importance in everyday life
3.2 Governor’s Message
Bhalla highlighted yoga’s power to foster physical health and mental harmony, urging people to weave yoga into their daily routines rather than reserving it for special occasions .
3.3 A Special Session at Raj Bhavan
Aligning with peaceful vibes, another session unfolded at Raj Bhavan, where staff and officials joined sitting amidst serene greenery, offering a glimpse of yoga in contemplative calm
5. Health Benefits of Regular Yoga
Sure, it’s trending—but does yoga genuinely help? Yes. Here’s why it matters:
- Physical Perks: Boosts flexibility, core strength, posture, and circulation.
- Mental Rewards: Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. Improves focus and emotional resilience.
- Lifestyle Effects: Builds mindful habits—better eating, balanced living, more restful sleep.
- Planet-Friendly: Encourages a mindful relationship with nature, reinforcing the One Earth, One Health mission.
6. Yoga: A Practice of Unity
Yoga transcends boundaries—religious, cultural, and social. This is reflected in:
- Mass sessions across India: From Visakhapatnam to Imphal, people united in shared purpose.
- Global echoes: IDY events in Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond
- Diverse participants: Students, veterans, public servants, even soldiers on the Siachen Glacier
7. Behind-the-Scenes Highlights
7.1 Imphal’s Role
Manipur, though often underrepresented, stood tall this year. With a high-profile event at Khuman Lampak, it clearly signaled: we’re part of the global story.
7.2 Government Backbone
Support ranged from Governor Bhalla to local departments. Collaborative efforts—schools, NGOs, security forces—show real commitment, not just lip service.
7.3 More Than a Flashy Event
Echoing Manipur CM Biren Singh’s 2024 message, yoga fosters discipline, community, and mental clarity—values vital to societal growth
8. “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”: What Does That Mean?
Let’s break it down like a yoga pose:
- One Earth: We breathe the same air, drink the same water, live on the same soil—so let’s protect it.
- One Health: Personal health, community health, environmental health—they’re all linked.
- Yoga: This ancient practice is a bridge—cultivating physical health, mental peace, and ecological responsibility.
9. Tips for Making Yoga a Daily Habit
- Start small: 10 minutes, early morning, daily.
- Follow a routine: Simple asanas like Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Shavasana.
- Breathe deeply: It lowers stress and sharpens focus.
- Journal the changes: Noticing small improvements helps you stay motivated.
- Join local sessions: Think Imphal community halls or parks.
10. What’s Next for Manipur & Beyond?
- Yoga in Schools & Colleges: Integrating classes into curriculum mirrors 2024 approaches .
- Environmental Projects: Plant trees after sessions, align with “One Earth” links.
- Inclusive Events: Involve seniors, differently-abled, women’s groups—real inclusivity.
- Community Hubs: Support spaces in schools or community centers for regular yoga practice.
FAQs
- Why June 21 for International Day of Yoga?
It’s the Summer Solstice—a time symbolizing balance and harmony—perfectly resonant with yoga values - What exactly is Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium?
Imphal’s premier indoor sports venue, often used for large community gatherings and events like state-level Yoga Day celebrations. - Can I practice yoga at home if I can’t attend events?
Absolutely! Online classes, YouTube tutorials, or morning stretches in your living room all work wonders. - How does yoga contribute to environmental goals?
By nurturing a mindful attitude, yoga encourages sustainable practices—like reducing plastic use, eating mindfully, even planting trees. - How can I stay involved in Manipur’s yoga initiatives year-round?
Check with local government portals and social media for events. Community centers, schools, and block-level health departments often host regular sessions post-IDY.
