On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Ludhiana residents rolled out their mats to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga, with mass sessions held in parks, factory floors, and school grounds. Organized by the civic body, schools, hospitals, and industrial units, the events drew participants from all age groups and walks of life, blending health awareness with community spirit.
Mass Participation and Key Events
More than 380 yoga practitioners and citizens gathered at an event at Dr BR Ambedkar Bhawan in Salem Tabri, supported by the district administration, Forest Department, Sports Department, Chief Minister’s Yogashala, and other institutions. Several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs attended, including Daljit Singh Grewal, who described health as the “greatest wealth” and emphasized yoga’s role in keeping the younger generation away from drugs. MLA Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina noted that yoga improves overall health, while Mayor Inderjit Kaur highlighted its ability to overcome stress and depression.
Dr Rupinder Kaur, the first Indian wheelchair-bound polio survivor to reach Mount Everest base camp, was honored at the occasion.
NCC Cadets Lead the Way
The 3 Punjab Girls Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC) conducted events with 460 cadets under the theme ‘Yoga for one earth, one health’. Colonel RS Chauhan, commanding officer, motivated the cadets, stating that yoga keeps the body healthy and fit, and helps develop a calm, balanced, and focused mind. He encouraged them to adopt yoga as part of their daily routines to build a healthier society.
Similarly, the 19 Punjab Battalion NCC celebrated the day at five major hubs: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Government Senior Secondary School Siahar, Guru Nanak National College Doraha, Guru Nanak Dev Polytechnic College Ludhiana, and Sant Baba Sunder Singh Ji Canadian Akal Academy Tallewal. In total, nearly 1,300 cadets, along with associate NCC officers (ANOs) and permanent instructional (PI) staff, participated in synchronised yoga sessions aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being. Commanding officer Lt Col Faizan Zahoor emphasized the significance of incorporating yoga into daily lives, especially for youth and defence aspirants.
Schools Join Despite Summer Break
Despite the ongoing summer vacation, city schools actively participated. HVM Global School brought together students, parents, family members, teachers, and staff for a session led by yoga experts, covering asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques. Police DAV Public School embraced the theme ‘Yoga for healthy ageing’ with participation from students, parents, staff, and NCC cadets. Principal Anu Verma called yoga a “priceless gift of Indian heritage.”
Bhartiya Vidya Mandir (BVM), Udham Singh Nagar, organized a morning session led by instructors Priya Rawat, Meenu Malhotra, and Pranay Gambhir from Tradmo Yoga Company. They emphasized yoga as a means to achieve mental clarity, emotional balance, and inner harmony, and shared a web link for broader community involvement. BVM, Kitchlu Nagar, held ‘Yoga sangam’ showcasing asanas, pranayama, meditation, and mindfulness. Green Land Senior Secondary Public School also celebrated with students performing asanas with confidence and discipline.
