Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led the Armed Forces in commemorating the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025, at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir. Joined by approximately 2,500 soldiers, he performed various yogic asanas and breathing exercises, emphasizing the mental and physical benefits of Yoga for soldiers operating in high-stress and high-altitude environments.
In his address, he acknowledged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership in globalizing the practice of Yoga and described it as a universal remedy for modern issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. He called Yoga not just a form of exercise but an art, a science, and a philosophy that brings mental clarity and emotional balance.
Operation Sindoor: Yoga in Action
Highlighting Operation Sindoor as a reflection of the discipline and control gained through Yoga, Shri Rajnath Singh praised the Armed Forces for their precision, balance, and restraint during the operation. He stated that the military response was a direct message to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing that India is prepared to respond strongly to any threat to its unity.
Calling Operation Sindoor a continuation of the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 air strikes, the Raksha Mantri declared that the operation had achieved its objectives and only paused after Pakistan requested a ceasefire. He reiterated that the mission is not over, and India remains vigilant and ready.
National Unity and the Spirit of Yoga
In a broader message, Shri Rajnath Singh said that Yoga serves as a unifying force, aligning body, mind, and society. Referring to national heroes like Major Somnath Sharma and Brigadier Usman, he reminded the audience of the sacrifices made for national integrity and emphasized that Yoga should connect every section of society to India’s cultural soul. He stressed that if even one section is left behind, the collective unity and security of the nation are compromised.
The Raksha Mantri praised the Armed Forces’ dedication to Yoga and noted its direct impact on their discipline, agility, and psychological resilience. He encouraged them to continue practicing Yoga daily, highlighting its role in shaping a fit, alert, and mindful force.
Yoga as India’s Gift to the World
Quoting Prime Minister Modi’s often-cited statement, “Yoga is India’s gift to the world,” Shri Rajnath Singh underscored that Yoga transcends borders, religions, and cultures. He referred to the 2025 IDY theme, “One Earth, One Health,” as a global message of harmony, reminding that India’s approach to Yoga is rooted in universal well-being and collective human progress.
He called on citizens to not merely adopt Yoga as a trend but as a way of life. According to him, Yoga offers transformative personal and societal benefits and must be embraced as a lifelong commitment.
Events Across the Country
The celebrations at Udhampur were part of a nationwide observance. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Northern Command Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma were among the key dignitaries in attendance. All participants viewed Prime Minister Modi’s live address from Visakhapatnam.
Yoga sessions were held across forward locations in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, underscoring the commitment of India’s armed personnel even in remote and difficult terrains.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth led the celebrations at PM Shree High School, Kumhariya, Ranchi, where he encouraged students to adopt Yoga for physical and mental well-being. Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior Ministry of Defence officials participated in a session at the Controller General Defence Accounts office in New Delhi.
The Integrated Defence Staff marked the occasion at the National War Memorial and Museum, with Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Chief Guest. At Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, over 1,500 doctors, nurses, and patients joined the Yoga Day celebration. A tree plantation drive was also conducted within the hospital premises, symbolizing environmental and personal health.
The 11th International Day of Yoga served as a powerful reminder of Yoga’s integral role in promoting wellness, discipline, and unity—especially within the Indian Armed Forces. Led by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, the celebrations reaffirmed Yoga’s place not only as a traditional practice but as a tool of national strength, resilience, and global diplomacy.
