On June 21, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) marked the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with its signature initiative, ‘Yoga Sangam.’ This vibrant event witnessed enthusiastic participation from thousands of personnel and their families at more than 60 locations along India’s coastline and island territories.
In line with the AYUSH Ministry’s global theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ the celebrations by the ICG highlighted a strong dedication to comprehensive well-being, discipline, and operational readiness.
Yoga sessions were conducted across all ICG regions, with enthusiastic participation from units in the Northwest Region including Jakhau, Mundra, Vadinar, Okha, Pipavav, Surat, Gandhinagar, and Veraval. On the western seaboard, major bases such as Mumbai, Goa, Karwar, and Mangalore saw large gatherings, while the eastern seaboard witnessed vibrant celebrations at Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradeep, and Haldia. The Southern Region, including Mandapam and Kochi, and island territories like Port Blair, also reported energetic involvement, reflecting the truly pan-India scale of the initiative.
The primary event took place at the ICG Complex in Noida (Delhi NCR), where Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani spoke to over 1,000 attendees. He emphasized the crucial importance of yoga in enhancing mental clarity, managing stress, and building physical resilience—qualities that are essential for individuals working in high-pressure maritime settings.
The session was conducted by Ms. Vandana Gupta along with a team of six skilled instructors. They guided participants through a variety of asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques, catering to both novices and experienced practitioners. A particular focus was placed on simple routines that can easily fit into the busy lifestyles of ICG personnel.