JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with great enthusiasm and collective spirit at its Jalpan Kendra under the aegis of Anandam – The Center for Happiness, IIM Jammu, on 21st June 2026. This year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighted the transformative role of yoga in promoting physical vitality, mental resilience, emotional well-being, and active living across all stages of life.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu presided over the International Day of Yoga Celebrations. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson Anandam, and Brigadier (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairsgraced the International Day of Yoga Celebrations
The programme commenced with the assembly of students, faculty members, officers, and staff at the Jalpan Kendra, followed by the formal inauguration of the celebrations. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a soulful Saraswati Vandana presented by the students of IIM Jammu, invoking the blessings of knowledge, wisdom, health, and harmony.
As part of the nationwide celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026, the IIM Jammu fraternity joined the live telecast of the address delivered by Shri Narendra Modi Ji, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, from Kolkata. Through his inspiring message, the Hon’ble Prime Minister highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” and reiterated the importance of embracing yoga as a way of life for fostering physical health, mental well-being, inner harmony, and collective wellness.
Following the live telecast, participants enthusiastically took part in the Common Yoga Protocol Session conducted by Shri Sahil Mehra, Yoga Guru, Yogatvam. The session featured a structured sequence of standing, sitting, and supine postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices designed to enhance flexibility, balance, concentration, and overall well-being. His demonstration of advanced yogic postures captivated and inspired the participants.The celebrations further progressed with the address of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, followed by remarks from Brigadier (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” and described yoga as a timeless gift of Indian wisdom that empowers individuals to lead healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives. He credited Shri Narendra Modi, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, for taking yoga to the global stage through his historic proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, which led to the worldwide observance of the International Day of Yoga from 21 June 2015.
He emphasized that yoga transcends physical fitness and serves as a pathway to holistic well-being, inner harmony, spiritual growth, and resilience. He noted that regular yoga practice enhances flexibility, strength, balance, concentration, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and discipline, making it an effective tool for healthy ageing and lifelong wellness. Referring to the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), he remarked that yoga significantly contributes to promoting independence, reducing health risks, improving quality of life, and fostering overall well-being across all age groups.Highlighting IIM Jammu’s commitment to wellness, he spoke about Anandam – The Center for Happiness, a pioneering initiative dedicated to nurturing emotional well-being and inner harmony among students, faculty, officers, and staff.
Describing yoga as a symbol of India’s ancient wisdom and soft power, globally recognized through its inclusion in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, he urged everyone to make yoga an integral part of their daily routine rather than limiting it to a one-day celebration.Encouraging greater participation in wellness activities, he proposed the formation of a Yoga Club at IIM Jammu to cultivate a sustained culture of health, mindfulness, and holistic development on campus. Reiterating that yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a way of life that harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit, he called upon the IIM Jammu community to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice and contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri Vijay Anant Kamble, Administrative Officer, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu. The event culminated on a patriotic note with the National Song followed by the National Anthem. Nutritious refreshments, including sprouts, fruits, and fruit juices, were served to all participants, reinforcing the message of holistic health and wellness.TheYoga session concluded with the distribution of nutritious refreshments, including sprouts, fruits, and fruit juices, promoting healthy dietary habits. The program culminated with the National Song followed by National Anthem, leaving participants with a sense of unity and renewed purpose.
The 12th International Day of Yoga at IIM Jammu emerged as a noteworthy occasion, honoring the timeless wisdom of yoga while underscoring its profound influence on individual well-being and the health of the planet. The celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga at IIM Jammu served as a meaningful tribute to the enduring relevance of yoga in contemporary society,
