The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Sowa-Rigpa system of traditional medicine, held a special yoga session in Leh, Ladakh, on March 25. This event was part of the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga 2025 and took place at the institute’s campus, located at an altitude of 11,562 feet, against the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
Participants included staff and students from the institute, who performed yoga according to the Common Yoga Protocol developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush. The serene environment of Leh, characterized by its snow-covered peaks and crisp mountain air, provided the perfect setting for this unique event.
Speaking at the session, the institute’s director highlighted the profound significance of yoga, emphasizing its ability to nurture the body and mind. He described it as a way of life that fosters resilience, harmony, and holistic health, not only for individuals but for society as a whole. The director remarked that the majestic heights of Leh served as an inspirational location, reminding participants of yoga’s unifying nature and its role in promoting wellness and peace.
The yoga instructor from Mahabodhi International Yoga and Meditation Centre in Leh also participated in the session and shared insights on the multifaceted benefits of yoga. She noted that regular practice improves physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance, while reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Yoga, she added, fosters mindfulness, helping individuals maintain inner peace in the face of daily challenges.
The event is part of a broader initiative to prepare for the International Day of Yoga’s 11th edition in 2025, which promises to be the most expansive and inclusive celebration to date. The countdown was officially launched at the Yoga Mahotsav 2025 in New Delhi by the Minister of State for Ayush. During the launch, the minister revealed a series of ten unique signature events to mark the occasion.
These events include a synchronized yoga demonstration at 10,000 locations aiming to set a world record, as well as hosting sessions at iconic landmarks in partnership with 10 countries. Other initiatives include the development of 1,000 yoga parks for community engagement, special programs tailored for senior citizens, children, and marginalized groups, and an impact assessment on yoga’s role in public health over the past decade. Additionally, plans are in place for a virtual global yoga summit featuring leading experts, a sustainability initiative combining yoga with environmental efforts like tree planting, and a youth-focused event designed to attract younger participants to the practice. The celebration will culminate with a week-long festival across ten locations, leading to a central event spearheaded by the Prime Minister.
The ongoing efforts reaffirm the commitment to making yoga an integral part of daily life while showcasing its universal appeal and transformative potential. The International Day of Yoga continues to be a powerful platform to spread the message of wellness and unity worldwide, with Leh’s recent session serving as a prime example of its enduring impact.
