Srinagar: In a spirited build-up to International Yoga Day 2025, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), J&K, is spearheading a massive campaign across all sports zones of the Union Territory to promote the transformative power of yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Under the overarching theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” schools and communities have been actively participating in yoga sessions, competitions, and awareness programs. The initiative, meticulously supervised by Secretary to Government, Department of YSS, Sarmad Hafeez, and Director General, Anuradha Gupta, has witnessed overwhelming enthusiasm from students, Physical education teachers, and citizens alike.
District Highlights:
Doda:Over 1,185 students (625 boys and 560 girls) are undergoing intensive yoga training ahead of the mega event on June 21. Qualified YSS trainers are conducting sessions to ensure flawless participation .
Ganderbal: The ‘Yoga Run-Up’ initiative saw spirited participation, with GHSS Ganderbal (60 girls + 12 staff), BHS Shallabugh (72 students), and GHS Shallabugh (150 students) leading the charge .
Anantnag: Pre-event yoga sessions were held across all zones, engaging thousands. Bijbehara (427 students), Verinag (530 participants), Achabal (925 attendees), and Mattan (940 students) stood out with vibrant participation and anti-drug pledges .
Kishtwar: A record-breaking 18,952 students performed yoga during morning assemblies in schools like GHSS Sounder, HSS Dool, and DMP HSS Kishtwar, reinforcing yoga as a daily discipline .
Rajouri: Community-wide pre-celebrations emphasized yoga’s role in a balanced lifestyle, with events in parks, schools, and community halls .
Reasi: Awareness programs in Chassana, Pouni, and Arnas zones saw active involvement from students and locals, fostering a culture of holistic health.
Similar activities were organized across other districts of the UT, with reports still pouring in from district publicity coordinators of the Department as this press release was being finalized. Notable participation was observed in Baramulla, where over 700 students demonstrated yoga at Eco Park Khadniyar in collaboration with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan . Bandipora reported 1,380 participants practicing various asanas, while Hawal sports Zone in Srinagar conducted dedicated yoga awareness programs ahead of the main event .
While throwing light on the importance of the Yog, DG YSS has said that the Department of YSS has integrated yoga into its annual activity calendar, with school children regularly participating in yoga activities and competitions at various levels. This year’s campaign underscores yoga’s universal appeal bridging age, gender, and occupation to unite communities in pursuit of wellness.
