Over 65,000 NCC cadets perform yoga in Bengal, Sikkim ahead of International Yoga Day tomorrow
Kolkata, June 20
More than 65,000 National Cadet Corps cadets participated in yoga celebrations conducted across 215 locations in West Bengal and Sikkim till now since June 18, officials said on Saturday.
These events were held ahead of the upcoming International Yoga Day 2026 on Sunday.
This year's theme is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" and the participation of the cadets highlighted the growing commitment of India's youth towards fitness, well-being and holistic living.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already reached Kolkata and will participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the Red Road in Kolkata on Sunday.
The flagship event for the cadets was organised at the NCC Training Institute in Kolkata under the aegis of the NCC West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate.
The Additional Director General of NCC West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate, Major General Amar Pal Singh Chahal, participated in the celebrations and was received on arrival by the Kolkata 'B' NCC Group Headquarters Group Commander Brigadier Krishnendu Das.
The yoga session was conducted by renowned yoga practitioner Visharad Anju Mishra, who guided cadets through a series of asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises designed to promote physical fitness, mental resilience and long-term wellness.
"Cadets, officers, associate NCC officers and staff members participated enthusiastically, reflecting the NCC's commitment to nurturing healthy and responsible citizens," an officer said.
Olympic medallist and Tennis legend Leander Paes, recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, participated in the session and addressed the cadets.
Paes spoke about the importance of discipline, determination and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving excellence.
"The harder the battle, the sweeter is the victory," he said, sharing a lesson from his illustrious sporting career.
This message resonated strongly with the young audience.
The tennis ace also expressed his support for future NCC initiatives in sports, fitness and wellness.
"The celebrations were conducted in the spirit of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose initiative at the United Nations led to the adoption of the International Day of Yoga and transformed it into a global movement promoting health, harmony and sustainable living," the officer added.
"The NCC continues to serve as a unique platform for fostering national integration by bringing together youth from diverse social, cultural and linguistic backgrounds," officials said.
The event also reflected the rich heritage and inclusive ethos of West Bengal, a land renowned for its contribution to India's freedom movement, intellectual renaissance and cultural legacy.
As thousands of cadets performed yoga in unison across the Directorate, the celebrations stood as a powerful symbol of a healthier, stronger and more cohesive India, inspired by the NCC motto of "Unity and Discipline".
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative but I wish they'd also focus on mental health awareness beyond just yoga. Our youth face immense pressure these days. Still, kudos to NCC for getting 65,000 kids active and disciplined. And Leander Paes' presence must have been so inspiring for them!
As someone who works with youth groups internationally, I'm impressed by the scale. 215 locations simultaneously? That's organisational excellence. The "Unity and Discipline" motto really shines here. Wish our Western programs had this kind of coordination.
Leander Paes sharing his wisdom with NCC cadets is such a full circle moment! From representing India internationally to inspiring the next generation at a yoga event. "The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory" - words these kids will carry for life. 👏
I'm a bit sceptical about using NCC cadets for these large events. They're students first, and this takes away from their study time. But I do appreciate that yoga teaches discipline and health. Hope the cadets genuinely enjoy it and not just do it because it's compulsory.
This is exactly what we need more of in today's world. Yoga for healthy ageing - such a perfect theme especially with our aging population. The fact that India can mobilise tens of thousands of young people for wellness is something other countries should learn from.
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