Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 10: Preparations for the International Day of Yoga 2026 have commenced in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the Ayush Wing of the Directorate of Health Services and the A&N State Ayush Society initiating a series of countdown activities across the region. The global observance is scheduled for June 21.
As part of these preparations, a training session focusing on the Common Yoga Protocol was conducted on April 7 at the Yoga Hall of BJR Hospital in Car Nicobar. The programme aimed to equip grassroots health workers with the knowledge and skills required to support upcoming yoga-related activities.
Around 40 field-level functionaries, including Community Health Officers (CHOs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), participated in the session. The training was conducted under the supervision of yoga instructor Siromani Kumari.
During the session, participants were introduced to the standardised Common Yoga Protocol, with emphasis on correct techniques and the associated health benefits. The programme focused on ensuring uniformity in the practice and dissemination of yoga activities ahead of the International Day of Yoga.
Officials indicated that the countdown initiatives are designed to increase public awareness and encourage wider participation in yoga practices across the islands. The involvement of frontline health workers is seen as a key step in extending outreach at the community level.
The training programme forms part of a broader effort to integrate preventive health practices and promote physical and mental well-being through yoga. By building capacity among health workers, authorities aim to ensure effective implementation of yoga-related events in both urban and remote areas.
The Directorate of Health Services and the A&N State Ayush Society have been conducting similar activities to prepare communities for the annual observance. The focus remains on standardising practices and ensuring that participants are adequately trained to guide public sessions.
With the International Day of Yoga approaching, officials reiterated the importance of coordinated efforts in promoting the benefits of yoga and encouraging sustained participation across different sections of society.
