On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, the Isha Foundation, under the guidance of spiritual leader Sadhguru, organised over 2,500 free yoga sessions for more than 10,000 defence personnel across India. Supported by over 11,000 trained “Yoga Veeras” (volunteers), these sessions aimed to promote conscious living, mental clarity, and physical well-being among members of the armed forces and local communities.
The initiative witnessed major participation at Sadhguru Sannidhi in Bengaluru, as well as at key defence locations in Rajasthan and Jodhpur, marking a significant step in integrating holistic health practices within India’s defence sector.
Defence Forces Unite for Yoga and Well-being
This year’s International Day of Yoga saw an unprecedented turnout from India’s defence community. At Sadhguru Sannidhi in Bengaluru, more than 5,000 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force joined over 1,000 civilians from neighbouring communities in a mass yoga session.
In Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, around 1,500 defence personnel participated, while 900 Air Force members gathered at the Jodhpur Airbase for a dedicated session. The sessions were led by Isha Foundation’s Yoga Veeras, who guided participants through classical Hatha yoga practices and introduced the ‘Miracle of Mind’ meditation technique, designed to enhance mental resilience and emotional balance.
Sadhguru, addressing the participants, emphasised, “Yoga is a system that gives you the freedom to create a life of conscious choice, a life that is not enslaved to compulsive thought & action. It is only when you are able to transcend compulsiveness by becoming conscious that your physical and mental wellbeing can be entirely determined by you.”
Defence officials expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve focus, discipline, and overall morale within the armed forces.
Yoga’s Growing Role in Defence and Society
The collaboration between Isha Foundation and the defence sector is not new, but this year’s scale is noteworthy. Over the past few years, more than 11,000 soldiers have been trained in classical Hatha yoga by Isha Foundation, with hundreds now certified to conduct yoga sessions within their own units.
This reflects a broader recognition of yoga as a vital tool for managing stress and improving quality of life, especially in high-pressure environments like the military. The Foundation’s approach goes beyond physical postures, focusing on yoga as a holistic system for conscious living, emotional regulation, and self-empowerment.
The International Day of Yoga, celebrated globally, continues to serve as a reminder of India’s rich spiritual heritage and its relevance in addressing contemporary health challenges. The widespread participation of defence personnel and civilians alike signals a growing acceptance of yoga as a means to foster unity, resilience, and well-being across diverse sections of society.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian commends Isha Foundation’s inclusive and large-scale yoga initiative, recognising its positive impact on the mental and physical health of our defence personnel and communities. In a fast-paced world where stress and compulsive behaviours are common, such efforts foster empathy, self-awareness, and harmony—values that are essential for a peaceful and progressive society.
We believe that integrating yoga and mindfulness into daily routines can help individuals and communities build resilience, reduce conflict, and nurture kindness. How do you think yoga and mindfulness can be further woven into public life to promote well-being and collective harmony?
