Make yoga part of daily life to remain battle-ready: Rajnath to soldiers in UT

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the Armed Forces in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga at Northern Command, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday, stating that yoga strengthens a “soldier physically and mentally,” and its “benefits can be seen on the battlefield.”

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Officials said around 2,500 soldiers participated in the event. Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking Yoga global and called it a “universal solution to modern challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.”

“Yoga gives clarity amid chaos. It is an art, a science, a philosophy, and spirituality. Those who practise it daily gain control over body and mind. It makes us proactive, not reactive,” he said.

He also referenced last month’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, stating the Armed Forces displayed “restraint, balance and precision—qualities that Yoga helps cultivate.”

He also said the country’s social and communal unity “was targeted” through the Pahalgam terror attack and “Operation Sindoor was a clear message to Pakistan that it will face the consequences for supporting terror activities against India.”

Operation Sindoor is a natural continuation of the 2016 surgical strike and 2019 air strike… and it is not over. India is prepared for any anti-terror action,”

He also appreciated the inclination of the armed forces personnel towards yoga which has a direct impact on their discipline and focus.

“Yoga prepares a soldier physically and mentally and its benefits can be seen on the battlefield,” he said.

The Defence Minister added that “Yoga is silently changing the world and every citizen should be proud of the fact that India’s ancient tradition is being recognised and accepted globally.”

He dubbed it as a “responsibility to not just practice Yoga as a trend but make it a way of life.”

“There is a need to incorporate Yoga as a resolution in our lives. It should be a part of our daily routine as it brings positive changes in everyone’s life,” he said in his speech.

Yoga sessions were also held at high-altitude forward locations in J&K and Ladakh, reflecting the commitment of our soldiers.