“Yoga unites the people from all over the world irrespective of religions and caste and creed”  Dr. Virendra Kumar. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment commemorated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Led by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, the event focused on the national theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" to promote holistic health and inclusive growth. Key actions included the administration of pledges for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the protection of senior citizens. **Key Points / Main Content** **Event Overview and Leadership** * The event marked the 12th International Day of Yoga, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. * Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar led the celebrations alongside the Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. * Senior officials, including Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries, participated in the program. **Core Theme and Objectives** * The official theme for IDY 2026 is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." * The program aims to implement the Prime Minister’s vision of holistic health and wellness. * The initiative emphasizes "inclusive growth" and strengthening the link between cultural ethos and modern wellness. **Pillars of the Celebration** * **Active Well-being:** Focusing on enhancing physical vitality and mental clarity across all age groups. * **Emotional Resilience:** Promoting mindfulness as a sustainable tool to manage modern stress and anxiety. * **Social Cohesion:** Positioning yoga as a unifying force to bring diverse communities and groups together. **Special Initiatives and Pledges** * A formal pledge was administered for the **Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)** to promote a drug-free India. * A specific pledge was taken regarding the **protection of senior citizens**, aligning with the year's theme of healthy ageing. **Impact Analysis** **Senior Citizens** **Impact** They are the primary focus of the 2026 theme and the subject of a dedicated protection pledge aimed at ensuring their well-being. **Action Required** Incorporate yoga into daily routines to improve physical health and mental clarity as part of the "Healthy Ageing" initiative. **Ministry Officials and Staff** **Impact** Officials from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) are responsible for championing these wellness and inclusive growth policies. **Action Required** Lead the implementation of the Prime Minister's vision for holistic health and uphold the commitments made under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan pledge. **General Public and Communities** **Impact** Yoga is utilized as a tool for social cohesion to unify diverse groups and provide tools for emotional resilience against stress. **Action Required** Participate in communal yoga activities to foster social unity and utilize mindfulness techniques to combat anxiety and stress.

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