NDRF-trained stray dog steals spotlight at Udhampur yoga session

A unique participant stole the show during a special yoga session organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at its 13th Battalion campus in Sui, Udhampur, ahead of the 11th International Yoga Day.

It wasn’t a senior officer or yoga expert but a stray dog, trained by NDRF personnel over two years, that captured hearts by flawlessly mirroring yoga asanas alongside 55 human practitioners.

The event, held on Friday, aimed to promote wellness and mindfulness, but the dog’s precision in poses like downward dog and balancing stretches left everyone in awe.

Its smooth execution of poses, from downward dog to balancing acts, carried a strong yet whimsical message: “If a stray dog can learn yoga, why can’t humans incorporate it into their daily lives?” said NDRF team.

Talking to mediapersons, Inspector Munshi Ram of the 13th Battalion, who led the session, said, “Today, I have conducted yoga with 55 members and one dog. Yoga should be practised daily to remain fit both physically and mentally. This dog has been practising along with us for two years.” He added, “Our furry friend has been practising along with us for two years. His engagement proves yoga is without boundaries—yoga is for all, including animals. This International Yoga Day, we want people to adopt yoga not merely on June 21 but as a lifetime practice for holistic wellness.”

The special event made the NDRF’s creative method of encouraging fitness and mindfulness while reaffirming yoga’s transcendent popularity shine.