The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) organized Yoga Sessions at all stations, units, and onboard its ships to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on 21 Jun 23. Over 13,000 naval personnel, Defence Security Corps, Defence civilians, and their family members participated in the event across the Eastern Seaboard. Eastern Naval Command ships on deployment also conducted Yoga both at sea and at various ports on the East Coast. The yoga sessions followed the common yoga protocol as prescribed by the Government of India/Ministry of Ayush focusing on the theme of IDY 2023 – ‘Yoga for Humanity’.
As part of their routine deployment Eastern Fleet Ships visiting various countries conducted yoga sessions in foreign ports to promote the benefits of yoga and a healthy lifestyle. INS Shivalik at Jakarta, Indonesia, INS Kiltan at Chattogram, Bangladesh, and INS Sumitra at Phuket, Thailand spread awareness about yoga and its benefits among the local communities.
At Vishakhapatnam naval personnel, their families, and school children conducted yoga at Naval Dockyard, Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Malkapuram, and all residential areas which included Hatha Yoga by Isha Foundation.
At Bheemunipatnam, yoga sessions were conducted at Kalinga Beach, Kendriya Vidhyalaya, and Naval KG School. The participants dressed up in Indian Tricolour theme symbolizing yoga as a key element of India’s cultural heritage. Yoga camps were also conducted at Spoorthi Orphanage for Children, Goldage home for senior citizens, and a school for special children in Visakhapatnam.
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area alongwith INS Kattaboman witnessed active participation by all ships and units. Banners, posters and yoga charts were displayed to emphasize the importance of yoga in daily life. The event at Chennai was conducted by renowned yoga and wellness training institute, Yoga Darshini and witnessed participation from Naval and CISF personnel along with their families. Whilst at Kattabomman, besides mass yoga, asanas and pranayama were also performed at a height of 450 meters on the Amber Tower. In addition, promotional activities related to yoga such as quizzes, poster competitions, and Q&A sessions were also conducted across naval units and schools.
