Under the leadership of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, a high-level review meeting was held today to finalize preparations for the upcoming 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY-2025), scheduled for June 21. The celebrations will take place across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with a strong emphasis on mass participation, inclusivity, and iconic venue events.
The meeting saw the participation of top officials including Commissioner Secretaries of the GAD and Information Departments, Secretaries of Health & Medical Education (H&ME), Youth Services & Sports (YS&S), Rural Development Department (RDD), Transport, MD NHM, Directors of School Education (Jammu and Kashmir), Samagra Shiksha, AYUSH, and other key departments. All Deputy Commissioners joined the session via video conferencing.
Chief Secretary Dulloo highlighted the holistic benefits of yoga, calling it a “mind-refreshing discipline that fosters peace, health, and inclusivity.” He urged schools to actively engage students, encouraging them to lead awareness campaigns on campus to promote discipline and a health-conscious mindset.
He also instructed Deputy Commissioners to ensure wide participation at the district level and emphasized a coordinated approach among departments, especially Health, Youth Services & Sports, RDD&PR, Housing & Urban Development, NRLM, Information, and Transport. The Health Department was tasked with deploying trained personnel to conduct yoga demonstrations at all venues.
Dulloo advocated for yoga sessions at the Union Territory’s iconic locations to maximize visibility and impact. Pre-IDY events have already been conducted at sites such as Martand Sun Temple, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Krimichi Shiva Temple, and Sugandesha Temple in Baramulla.
Secretary H&ME, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, outlined the progress made through the “Yoga Samavesh” outreach campaign (March 13 – June 21), which has included yoga protocol demonstrations in schools, public spaces, and among special groups like drug de-addiction patients and specially-abled students.
Signature events conducted as part of the lead-up include:
Harit Yoga at Sarwal Park (June 5)
Samyoga for medical students at GMC Kathua (June 4)
Yoga Unplugged at GDC Udhampur (May 30)
For the flagship event, “Yoga Sangam” on June 21, Jammu and Kashmir will contribute to the nationwide mass yoga demonstrations at over 100,000 venues. Citizens, schools, and institutions are encouraged to register through a QR code and participate via the AYUSH portal.
The Directorate of Ayush has been entrusted with logistical responsibilities including procurement of yoga mats and attire, provision of refreshments, and deployment of instructors trained by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY). Law and order agencies will work in coordination with DCs to finalize district-level venues.
A whole-of-government approach, supported by funding from the National Ayush Mission and an aggressive publicity campaign, will ensure the successful execution of the event.
The Chief Secretary concluded by emphasizing that IDY is no longer just a symbolic event — it is a global movement uniting millions in the shared pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores yoga’s role in fostering harmony between individuals and the planet.