ITBP marks International Day of Yoga with session at Pangong Tso
Leh, June 21
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with enthusiasm and participation from security personnel and residents at the scenic Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh.
The 24th Battalion ITBP organised a yoga session at Lukung Post on the banks of Pangong Lake, bringing together ITBP personnel, Indian Army soldiers, local villagers and members of the Mahabodhi Institute. The event was aimed at promoting the message of health, harmony and overall well-being through the practice of yoga.
Participants performed various yoga asanas and breathing exercises against the backdrop of the iconic high-altitude lake, reflecting the spirit of the annual global observance.
This year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', reflects the growing global emphasis on healthy and active living across the lifespan. As populations age and non-communicable diseases and lifestyle-related health concerns rise globally, the emphasis is shifting from simply adding years to life to enhancing health span, quality of life and overall well-being.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga, performing yoga asanas alongside thousands of people at Kolkata's Red Road and asserting that yoga has the power to unite the entire world.
Addressing the main ceremony, PM Modi said the theme of "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" should not be viewed as being limited to senior citizens but should inspire people of all age groups to pursue lifelong wellness.
"When we speak of Yoga for healthy ageing, it means that we can work to ensure that age doesn't reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life aspire for constant growth. Our target must be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our target must be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where Yoga can help us," the Prime Minister said.
This is the first time PM Modi is visiting West Bengal after winning the State assembly elections on the occasion of International Yoga Day.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see this tradition spreading even to remote border areas. Yoga at 14,000 feet with that stunning lake backdrop must be surreal. Wish I could join them! But I wonder if the event distracted from actual security duties?
PM Modi's message is spot on - yoga isn't just for old people! I started doing surya namaskar last year at 35, and honestly feel more energetic than my 25-year-old self. Our jawans setting this example at Pangong is pure inspiration. 🙏
Respect to the ITBP for organizing this in such a challenging environment. The high-altitude yoga must be tough but beneficial. However, I'm concerned about the resources used for such PR events while border tensions remain high. Could the time be better spent?
Yoga at Pangong Tso - pure peace in a place of vigilance. 🕊️ This is what Indian culture represents: balance between strength and serenity. Our forces need this mental calm too. Well done ITBP and Mahabodhi Institute! 👏
Appreciate the initiative to include local villagers. Yoga is for everyone - not just the elite. But let's be honest, the real challenge for healthy ageing in India is affordable healthcare and nutrition, not just asanas. Still, good start.
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