Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the preparations being undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir for the celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY)-2026, scheduled to be observed on June 21, 2026, under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".
The meeting besides Commissioner Secretary, H&ME; Commissioner Secretary, YS&S; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare; Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir was attended by Secretary, Transport; Secretary, RDD; MD, NHM; Director, Colleges; Director, Ayush and other concerned officers.
Deputy Commissioners and District SSPs attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Reviewing the preparedness for the event, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the arrangements being put in place by the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu as well as Kashmir and all the Deputy Commissioners regarding identification of venues, logistical arrangements and mobilization of participants. He emphasized the need for meticulous planning to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations across the Union Territory.
Stressing on showcasing Jammu and Kashmir's natural beauty and tourism potential alongside the message of wellness, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned authorities to organize yoga sessions at prominent iconic tourist destinations across the UT, thereby promoting the spirit of yoga amid the region's scenic landscapes and encouraging wider public participation.
Earlier the Commissioner Secretary, H&ME, M.Raju threw light on the extensive prelude activities being conducted across Jammu and Kashmir to create awareness and encourage public participation. These activities, he continued, included yoga sessions, yoga at iconic locations, Samyoga programmes integrating yoga with other healthcare systems, youth-centric initiatives in educational institutions, Harit Yoga programmes promoting environmental consciousness, and community outreach campaigns.
He further gave out that 1,952 yoga-related events have been organized so far across the Union Territory, witnessing participation of over 1.31 lakh people, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among citizens towards yoga and healthy living.
The Chief Secretary was apprised that as per the past practice Directorate of Ayush, J&K has been designated as the nodal agency for IDY-2026 celebrations. The department is coordinating with all line departments and stakeholders to ensure successful organization of yoga programmes at the Union Territory, district and grassroots levels.
It was divulged that trained yoga instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, are being deployed to facilitate mass yoga demonstrations during the countdown and main events.
The meeting was informed that the flagship event, "Yoga Sangam", will be held on June 21, 2026, simultaneously across the country based on the Common Yoga Protocol.
Moreover it was given out that in Jammu and Kashmir, all 642 Ayush health facilities are being registered on the Yoga Sangam Portal launched by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, to facilitate large-scale participation.
A mega Union Territory-level event will be organized at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, where around 4,000 to 5,000 participants are expected to participate in the mass yoga demonstration.
The Chief Secretary was informed that mass yoga events will be organized at district headquarters, educational institutions, tourist destinations, healthcare facilities, Anganwadi centres and village-level locations to ensure maximum public participation.
Emphasizing the importance of the International Day of Yoga, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to work in close coordination and adopt a whole-of-government approach to ensure the successful conduct of the event. He stressed upon maximizing public participation and making the celebrations a mass movement promoting health, wellness and healthy lifestyles across Jammu and Kashmir.