Leh, June 17, 2025 – In the serene, snow-covered heights of Ladakh, the Indian Army organised a special yoga session for the local populace on June 16 and 17, 2025, as part of the buildup to the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025, celebrated annually on June 21. Held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aimed to promote physical well-being, mental resilience, and community bonding in the remote and high-altitude region. The session, conducted in collaboration with local authorities, saw enthusiastic participation from residents of all age groups, reflecting the growing appeal of yoga in fostering holistic health. This initiative aligns with the broader celebrations planned across Ladakh from June 15 to 21, 2025, organized by the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh.
Event Highlights
The yoga session, held in the challenging icy altitudes of Ladakh, was led by Indian Army personnel and designed to engage the local populace in embracing yoga’s benefits. Participants, including youth, elders, and school children, gathered to perform various yoga asanas amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, braving the region’s cold climate. The event underscored the Army’s commitment to community engagement and promoting a healthy lifestyle in border areas, aligning with the IDY 2025 theme of fostering unity and well-being.
Posts on X highlighted the event’s success, noting the enthusiastic participation and the Army’s role in fostering health and happiness in remote regions. The session was part of a series of activities planned across Ladakh to mark the 11th UN International Day of Yoga, which was established in 2014 following a resolution proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and endorsed by 175 UN member states.
Key Details of the Ladakh Yoga Session
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | June 16–17, 2025 |
| Location | Ladakh, high-altitude regions (specific venues not disclosed) |
| Organizers | Indian Army, in collaboration with UT Administration of Ladakh |
| Participants | Local populace, including youth, elders, and school children |
| Theme | Yoga for One Earth, One Health |
| Objective | Promote physical well-being, mental resilience, and community bonding |
Context and Significance
The International Day of Yoga, celebrated globally since 2015, aims to raise awareness about yoga’s benefits for physical and mental well-being. Originating from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning “to join” or “unite,” yoga symbolises the harmony of mind, body, and nature. The Indian Army’s initiative in Ladakh builds on its history of conducting yoga sessions in challenging terrains, such as Pangong Tso and Eastern Ladakh, to promote wellness among troops and civilians alike. The 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasises yoga’s role in fostering holistic health and environmental harmony.
The Ladakh session is part of a broader effort by the UT Administration of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council , Ministry of AYUSH, and other organisations, to celebrate IDY 2025 on a grand scale. A week-long program from June 15 to 21 includes yoga sessions at healthcare centres, schools, and public spaces, with promotional campaigns via flex banners, media, and tourism initiatives to attract spiritual tourists.
Security and Organisational Measures
The Indian Army’s yoga session was conducted with meticulous planning to ensure accessibility and safety in Ladakh’s rugged terrain. The UT Administration and LAHDC supported the event with logistical arrangements, including venue setups and participant transport. Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, in a May 2025 meeting, directed departments to integrate IDY 2025 into Ladakh’s tourism calendar, train health workers and educators in yoga, and promote the event through media campaigns. Security arrangements, including medical facilities and power supply, were prioritised to support participants in the high-altitude environment.
Organisational Support for IDY 2025 in Ladakh
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Logistical Support | Venue setups, seating, sound systems, and e-bus transport for participants |
| Promotional Efforts | Flex banners, hoardings, and media campaigns by Tourism and Information Depts. |
| Training | Yoga training for Community Health Officers, ASHAs, ANMs, and Physical Education Teachers |
| Tourism Integration | IDY 2025 included in Ladakh’s tourism calendar as a spiritual tourism initiative |
| Security and Facilities | Medical facilities, water supply, and power arrangements at venues |
Community Impact and Sentiment
The yoga session fostered a sense of unity and resilience among Ladakh’s residents, who face unique challenges due to the region’s extreme climate and remoteness. The initiative strengthened bonds between the Indian Army and the local populace, reinforcing the Army’s role in community welfare beyond security duties. Residents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to practice yoga in such a unique setting, with many noting its benefits for mental clarity and physical fitness.
Broader IDY 2025 Preparations
The Ladakh yoga session is part of a national and global movement to promote yoga, spearheaded by the Ministry of AYUSH and supported by events like the Yoga Mahotsav 2025, inaugurated in March 2025 to mark the 100-day countdown to IDY. The Indian Army’s efforts complement other initiatives, such as the Assam Rifles’ yoga sessions in Manipur and the Indian Navy’s Ocean Ring of Yoga, showcasing yoga’s universal appeal across diverse terrains.
Conclusion
The Indian Army’s yoga session in the snow-clad heights of Ladakh ahead of International Day of Yoga 2025 exemplifies the power of yoga to unite communities and promote holistic well-being. Held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event engaged the local populace in a meaningful celebration of physical and mental resilience. Supported by the UT Administration of Ladakh, LAHDC, and the Ministry of AYUSH, the initiative reflects India’s commitment to globalising yoga’s benefits, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As Ladakh prepares for a week-long IDY celebration, the Army’s efforts underscore its role in fostering health, harmony, and community bonding in one of India’s most challenging regions.
