Nagaland joins International Yoga Day celebrations

DIMAPUR — Nagaland joined the global community in celebrating International Yoga Day on the theme ‘Yoga for one earth, one health’ with events held across various districts on Saturday.

Kohima: The main celebration in the capital city was held at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, National Ayush Mission (NAM), and Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS).

Dr. Seyiekhrietuo John, State Programme Officer (SPO), AYUSH, briefed on the significance of the International Yoga Day and stressed the importance of practicing yoga.

He informed that this year, the Government of India has given the states ten signature events to conduct, and said Nagaland has conducted three.

Speaking to the media, Dr. John said, “Today is June 21st, when everyone has to perform the Yoga Sangam. That is, to follow the Common Yoga Protocol.”

He explained that the Common Yoga Protocol consists of 45 minutes, and at the IG Stadium Kohima event, it started at 7 am.

Also read: International Yoga Day: Kurukshetra hosts record-breaking event with one lakh participants

Admitting that there are some misunderstandings, the officer clarified, “As I know, yoga is not a religion. I want to repeat — yoga does not belong to any particular religion. Yoga is for all humans, for all races.”

 “So when we celebrate the International Day of Yoga today, it brings us together. Yoga Sangam — that is, the International Day of Yoga — has brought people together from various communities, religions, and backgrounds.”

The event was attended by Minister of Health and Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, Advisor for YRS S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, officers and staff from various departments, IGS academy students, NCC cadets, Assam Rifles personnel and school students.

International Yoga Day was also celebrated at the central lobby of the Nagaland Civil Secretariat led by Chief Secretary, Dr. J Alam.

Dimapur: The event was held at Dimapur Government College (DGC) auditorium with Dr. Vinyuhu Lhoungu, Associate Professor and Coordinator of IQAC, DGC, as the chairperson, while Biswajit Sarkar, Associate Professor, presented a brief overview of the International Day of Yoga’s vision and structure.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, in his address, stated that the initiative is aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of everyone, encouraging the integration of yoga into daily life. He noted that while yoga was once perceived as being linked to a specific religion, it is now globally recognised.

Dr. Chang remarked that yoga is not only celebrated in India but across the world, promoting inner peace and holistic health. He emphasised that regular yoga practice contributes to improved physical fitness and mental clarity.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from heads of offices, staff from various government departments, faculty members, and students.

Zunheboto: The event was organised by the District Sports Office in collaboration with MY Bharat at indoor badminton stadium, Zunheboto town.

My Bharat programming officer Zakato L Zhimomi, in his keynote address, emphasised the transformative power of yoga in promoting physical and mental well-being. “Regular practice of yoga not only improves health and fitness but also enhances academic performance by fostering mental clarity and focus for students,” he stated.

District Sports Officer Anguvito Ayemi highlighted the holistic benefits of yoga and underlined the relevance of this year’s theme in today’s context of global health and environmental awareness. He encouraged participants to integrate yoga into their daily routine.

The yoga sessions were conducted under the supervision of Teisiakpe, PIS Sports Officer, Zunheboto, who guided participants through various asanas. The session was accompanied by live video demonstrations to aid understanding and accuracy of practice.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, police personnel, heads of departments and students.

Meluri: The International Yoga Day programme took place at the Government Higher Secondary School auditorium, Meluri, where Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao highlighted the benefits of yoga in enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

A screening of the Prime Minister's address on the importance of yoga was followed by a yoga session for students, led by Tatsichu Trakha, Physical Education Teacher at GHSS, Meluri.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Rhutsomu Pfithu, PGT.

Students and teachers from GHSS Meluri, St. Xavier HSS and Christian Mission HSS, along with the district administrative department, came together to observe the day.

Read more: Kohima Police crack major burglary case worth INR 1.5 crore; prime accused confesses to 11 heists

Phek: The event was organised by the district administration, in collaboration with the District Youth Resource and Sports (YRS) at the DC office complex from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. Deputy Commissioner Rhosietho Nguori and other district officers with youths from the YRS participated in the programme.

Wokha: The district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Social Welfare department, One Stop Centre, Bharat Scouts & Guides (Wokha Unit), Nehru Yuva Kendra, National Service Scheme (NSS), and the 24 Assam Rifles, organised the event.

Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, in his address, urged the public not to misinterpret yoga through a narrow religious lens but to appreciate its universal relevance. Highlighting yoga’s growing influence across the world, he emphasised its power to promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and holistic health.

Youth Resource Officer Libemo Jami presented an overview of the significance of yoga and its benefits for physical and mental well-being.

Raju Kumar led a yoga demonstration session, guiding participants through breathing exercises and various yoga postures.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by District Welfare Officer, Wonjano Enny.

Shamator: Shamator district administration celebrated the event on the theme ‘Yoja Sangam’ at Shamator town multi-disciplinary sports complex, where Deputy Commissioner Chubatemjen highlighted the importance of yoga in daily life. The yoga mela was attended by all the HoDs of the district, Khelo India players, children, women and CSOs.

Noklak: The celebration was held at multi-discipline sports complex, Noklak, with EAC of Noklak, Bangjunglemba, as the special guest.

The EAC highlighted the significance of physical and mental well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasised that yoga provides effective tools for achieving this, citing its benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, immunity, and prevention of lifestyle diseases through regular practice.

Dr. Hukiye, RMO at IAH, provided an overview of International Yoga Day, while yoga instructor Medolenuo led the participants in a yoga session.

The event was co-organised by the Noklak district administration and SANKALP- District Hub for Empowerment of Women under Mission Shakti, in partnership with the Integrated Ayush Hospital, Noklak.

Kiphire: International Yoga Day was observed at the DC’s conference hall where Takatemjen Pongen, EAC (HQ) Kiphire, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of yoga in daily life and its role in building a healthier society.

Limitsung, specialist in financial literacy, DHEW Kiphire, chaired the programme. The main attraction of the programme was the Common Yoga Protocol and demonstration led by Havildar Rajesh Kumar, who guided the participants through various yoga postures and breathing exercises. The session encouraged everyone to adopt yoga as a way of life for holistic health.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Kum. Tsosingthsi, psycho-social counsellor at One Stop Centre, Kiphire.

Tseminyu: The yoga day, organised by district administration and Sankalp- District Hub for Empowerment of Women, was observed at Zisunyu village council hall.

Victoria Khing, District Mission Coordinator, delivered the welcome address, while Shalo Khemp, physical instructor, provided an overview of International Yoga Day and led a yoga session.

Medziphema: The celebration was organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, in collaboration with 22 Assam Rifles, at Assam Rifles playground, Medziphema, Chümoukedima district.

To commemorate the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech was screened virtually. The event's yoga session was led by Havildar Tejpal Singh Negi of the 22nd Assam Rifles. The event saw participation from the district administration, Government Higher Secondary School, and 22nd Assam Rifles.