Tezpur (Assam): Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday said that yoga is not just a physical exercise, but a way of life that influences an individual’s thoughts, actions, and overall well-being.
Addressing media personnel on the sidelines of the International Yoga Day celebrations at the Tezpur Military Station here, he highlighted the vital role yoga plays in enhancing the physical, mental, and emotional resilience of the armed forces personnel.
Yoga is a powerful practice that unites the body, mind, and soul, he said.
The timeless link between Yoga and soldiering finds its most profound expression in the Bhagavad Gita. Faced with doubt and moral conflict on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna found himself unable to perform his duty.
It was through Lord Krishna’s teachings on Karma Yoga – the Yoga of selfless action and steadfastness in duty – that he regained clarity of purpose and the resolve to fulfil his responsibilities.
It is therefore no coincidence that the Indian Army, one of the world’s largest and most experienced armies, has emerged as a leading ambassador of Yoga, carrying India’s ancient wisdom to military communities across the globe.
Few traditions have travelled the world with the credibility, acceptance, and transformative impact that Yoga has. Scientific studies have shown that regular Yoga practice improves flexibility, cardiovascular health, stress management, and mental resilience.
Recognising its universal appeal, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 2014 declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. Since its first celebration in 2015, Yoga has witnessed extraordinary global proliferation.
Today, Yoga centres, institutes, and wellness retreats flourish across continents, promoting a practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. While diplomats, cultural organisations, and wellness institutions have played a significant role in this journey, the Indian Army has quietly emerged as an equally important contributor.
Traditionally viewed as an instrument of national hard power, the Indian Army has increasingly become a carrier of India’s soft power through Yoga. Beyond its role in national security, it has helped introduce Yoga to military personnel from across the world, transforming it into a bridge that connects soldiers from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.
The Indian Army participates in approximately 20-25 bilateral and multilateral military exercises annually and frequently conduct Yoga sessions for troops from friendly foreign nations. A recent example was Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya, which brought together more than 400 military personnel from India and 12 friendly foreign countries.
Alongside professional military interactions and training activities, participants were exposed to India’s cultural traditions, including Yoga. Through these exercises alone, the Indian Army engages with military personnel from dozens of countries every year, providing a unique platform for sharing India’s wellness traditions.
