Leh: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal, chaired a meeting via video conference on Thursday to review the preparations for the upcoming International Day of Yoga (IDY)-2025 celebrations in Ladakh.
The meeting discussed a wide range of logistical and organizational matters including the procurement of T-shirts and caps for participants, refreshment arrangements, media coverage and publicity, seating and venue setups, sound system arrangements, guest lists and invitation cards, cultural programmes, and organization of quiz and debate competitions on yoga in schools and colleges.
Additional issues addressed were water supply, medical facilities at yoga venues, deployment of e-buses for participant transport, venue cleanliness, power supply, and security arrangements.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, shared plans for the 10th International Day of Yoga. He informed the gathering that MIMC, in collaboration with the UT Administration, will be organizing a seven-day yoga programme at multiple locations across Leh.
He assured that trained yoga instructors from MIMC will be deployed at each location and requested administrative support for the boarding and lodging of yoga participants coming from outside Ladakh.
He also proposed the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee the event’s planning and execution.
Chief Secretary Dr. Kotwal directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements to celebrate the International Day of Yoga 2025 on a grand scale.
He instructed the Tourism Department to include IDY-2025 in the official tourism calendar, positioning it as a spiritual tourism initiative to attract more visitors.
He also directed the Youth Services & Sports, Tourism, and Information Departments to collaboratively develop promotional content on IDY-2025 for dissemination across all media platforms.
Flex banners and hoardings are to be installed at key locations in Leh and Kargil districts to generate public awareness and participation.
The Health Department was instructed to conduct yoga sessions at all healthcare centres across Ladakh. The Director of Health was asked to ensure proper training of Community Health Officers (CHOs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) in yoga practices. Dr. Kotwal also emphasized documenting these sessions and uploading them on the Ministry of AYUSH’s Yoga portal.
The Youth Services & Sports Department was directed to organize yoga sessions in schools, with proper training provided to Physical Education Teachers (PETs) and Physical Education Masters (PEMs).
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) were instructed to convene meetings and formulate district-wise plans for the celebration of IDY-2025.
The Education Department was instructed to organise debate and quiz sessions on yoga to enhance students’ knowledge about the yoga practices and students’ participation in yoga events.
The Chief Secretary also called for the publication of articles on yoga in local newspapers and magazines, encouraging local writers and authors to contribute.
He directed the Rural Development Department to organize yoga sessions at Amrit Sarovar ponds across Ladakh as part of the celebrations.
Dr. Kotwal instructed the DCs and SDMs to monitor and review the preparations on a weekly basis to ensure timely implementation of plans.
The meeting was attended by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Director Health, Additional SP Leh, Deputy Secretary LAACL, Leh; Assistant Director Tourism Leh, Assistant Director Information Leh, DYSSO Leh, and CEO Leh. Senior officials including Secretary Tourism/Youth Services & Sports/Information, Director FCS&CA, Director Tourism, Director Education, and Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Leh, joined the meeting virtually.
