A special programme marking the 12th International Yoga Day took place at Central Jail No 3, Tihar. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of Ayush, organised the event in collaboration with the International Naturopathy Organisation (INO) and Surya Foundation.
Jail Superintendent Pramod Kumar Gupta guided the programme. Dr Anant Biradar, National President of INO and a member of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for International Day of Yoga 2026, led the event. More than 300 inmates participated in the yoga session.
The programme began with Agnihotra and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp.
Addressing participants, Dr Biradar highlighted yoga as a mental and emotional discipline that can help inmates manage stress, loneliness and aggression while bringing positive changes to their lives. He noted that yoga and meditation can support prisoners in returning to society as better individuals and responsible citizens.
Dr Biradar also highlighted various self-employment and reform-oriented training initiatives underway at Tihar Jail. He informed participants that Surya Foundation and INO had organised International Yoga Day events at 7,000 locations across 25 states on the same day.
Jail Superintendent Pramod Kumar Gupta has been overseeing training programmes in painting, carpentry, yoga, knowledge development, Ayurveda and natural farming. These initiatives aim to support the overall growth and well-being of inmates.
The environment within the jail, according to organisers, reflects the atmosphere of a centre for self-improvement and discipline.
The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) supported the programme. Yoga instructors Yogita and Khushboo conducted the Common Yoga Protocol session.
Yogacharya Yudhishthir Pal spoke on the importance of yoga in ageing, while Ravindra Jaju explained the significance of Agnihotra.
The programme concluded with a tree plantation drive led by Dr Biradar. He also visited the jail’s gaushala.
Dr Biradar assured support from the Ministry of Ayush for future yoga and naturopathy training and research initiatives at the prison.
Also Read: AIIA Marks International Yoga Day 2026 With Programmes At Supreme Court, Delhi Campus
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