The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment celebrated the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with a central theme of **"Yoga for Healthy Ageing."** The event was marked by a major session held at Bharat Mandapam, which saw the participation of approximately **1,300 senior citizens** from across the Delhi-NCR region.
**Key Highlights and Objectives:**
* **Theme and Purpose:** The initiative focused on promoting active and dignified ageing. It highlighted the role of yoga in enhancing physical fitness, mental resilience, emotional well-being, and the overall quality of life for older adults.
* **Ministerial Address:** Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that yoga serves as a unifying force that transcends religion, caste, and creed while fostering holistic health.
* **Administrative Insights:** Monali P. Dhakate, Joint Secretary, noted that healthy ageing encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness. She identified yoga as a primary tool for achieving these goals.
* **Policy Commitment:** The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to establishing an inclusive, age-responsive ecosystem. This includes ongoing welfare programs and initiatives like the IDY to ensure social inclusion and improved health for senior citizens nationwide.
**Data and Reference Information:**
* **Date of Event/Release:** 22 June 2026
* **Location:** Bharat Mandapam, Delhi
* **Participant Metric:** 1,300 senior citizens
* **Release ID:** 2276603
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
* **Available Languages:** The official release is also available in Malayalam, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The nodal ministry responsible for the welfare of senior citizens and organizing the 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' initiative.
International Day of Yoga (IDY): The global initiative under which special programmes were marked to promote holistic health and well-being.
Yoga for Healthy Ageing: The central theme and initiative focused on promoting active and dignified ageing among senior citizens.
Dr. Virendra Kumar: The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment who led the celebrations and emphasized yoga's role in social inclusion.
Bharat Mandapam, Delhi-NCR: The primary location and venue for the major event involving over 1,300 senior citizens.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
“Yoga for Healthy Ageing” Takes Centre Stage at
International Day of Yoga 2026 Celebrations
1,300 Senior Citizens Join Yoga Sessions to Promote Active
and Dignified Ageing
प्रव तथ: 22 JUN 2026 3:42PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with
special programmes focused on senior citizens under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” Union
Minister Dr.Virendra Kumar said yoga brings people together beyond religion, caste and creed while
promoting holistic health and well-being
.A major Yoga Day event at Bharat Mandapam saw the enthusiastic participation of around 1,300 senior
citizens from across Delhi-NCR. The programme highlighted yoga’s role in improving physical fitness,
emotional well-being, mental resilience and quality of life among older adults.
Speaking on the occasion, Monali P. Dhakate, Joint Secretary, emphasized that healthy ageing includes
physical, mental, emotional and social wellness, with yoga serving as a key tool for active and dignified
ageing. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, age-responsive ecosystem that
supports the health, participation and well-being of senior citizens across India.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive and
age-responsive ecosystem that promotes the health, dignity and active participation of senior citizens.
Through initiatives such as International Day of Yoga and ongoing welfare programmes, the Ministry
continues to encourage healthy ageing, social inclusion and enhanced quality of life for elderly citizens
across the country.
***
SM/AJ
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इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Malayalam , Urdu , ही , Marathi , Tamil