Sri Vijaya Puram, June 12: As preparations gather momentum for the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, a special yoga session was organised for members of the Great Andamanese Tribe at Strait Island, bringing the message of holistic health and wellness to one of the islands’ indigenous communities.
The programme was conducted jointly by the AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services and the Andaman and Nicobar State AYUSH Society under the National AYUSH Mission, in collaboration with local administrative authorities and healthcare personnel stationed in the area.
The initiative forms part of a series of outreach activities being conducted across the islands in the lead-up to International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21. This year’s efforts are focused on expanding participation across different sections of society, including remote and tribal communities.
During the session, trained yoga instructors demonstrated a range of yoga asanas, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques designed to promote physical fitness, mental wellness and emotional balance. Participants actively joined the exercises and interacted with instructors throughout the programme.
Officials said the event was organised with the objective of encouraging healthier lifestyles and increasing awareness about the benefits of yoga as a preventive and wellness-oriented practice.
Yoga has increasingly been promoted as an accessible and cost-effective tool for improving overall health. Through regular practice, experts say, individuals can improve flexibility, posture, respiratory health and stress management while supporting long-term well-being.
For tribal communities living in geographically isolated areas, such outreach programmes also serve as opportunities for healthcare engagement and awareness-building. The collaboration between health authorities and local administration helped ensure smooth conduct of the event on Strait Island.
The Great Andamanese Tribe, one of the indigenous communities of the Andaman Islands, participated enthusiastically in the activities. Observers noted strong engagement during the practical demonstrations and breathing sessions.
The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and embrace healthier habits. Organisers expressed hope that continued engagement would encourage sustained participation in wellness activities beyond the International Day of Yoga celebrations.
Health officials said similar programmes are being conducted across various parts of the islands as part of efforts to make yoga accessible to all sections of society. The outreach reflects a broader emphasis on preventive healthcare and community wellness initiatives under the AYUSH framework.
With International Day of Yoga approaching, authorities expect participation to increase further through awareness campaigns, public sessions and community-based activities aimed at promoting the practice among residents across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
