The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, in collaboration with the Medical Training Centre of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), observed International Yoga Day 2026 with a collective yoga session at the historic Rashtrapati Niwas campus on Sunday.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from IIAS fellows, officers, staff members and other attendees, who joined together to celebrate the ancient Indian practice of yoga and its relevance in modern life.
The programme began with a welcome address highlighting yoga as a priceless legacy of India’s rich knowledge tradition and emphasising its role in promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Director of IIAS, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, attended the event and actively participated in the yoga session.
Yoga instructors Pushpendra Kumar and Rampal from the Medical Training Centre, SSB, conducted the session in accordance with the Common Yoga Protocol issued by the Ministry of Ayush. Participants performed a range of yoga postures, including Tadasana, Vrikshasana and Bhujangasana, along with pranayama and meditation exercises.
The instructors explained the correct techniques and health benefits of each practice, stressing that regular yoga helps improve physical fitness, strengthen immunity and enhance mental focus and emotional balance.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rajeev Ranjan, Commandant of the Medical Training Centre, SSB, said yoga goes beyond physical exercise and serves as a pathway to a disciplined and balanced life. He encouraged participants to adopt yoga as a regular practice for maintaining good health and reducing stress.
Set against the serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Niwas, the session provided participants with an opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga while reinforcing the importance of self-discipline, concentration and overall well-being. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
