The Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, will observe the International Day of Yoga on June 21 across rural Assam in collaboration with the Department of AYUSH, Government of Assam, with the participation of more than 32 lakh Self-Help Group (SHG) members.
A central state-level celebration will be held in Guwahati and is expected to be attended by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Meanwhile, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Borah will participate in a yoga programme in Golaghat.
The initiative aims to promote yoga as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle among SHG members and their families, encouraging physical, mental and emotional well-being in rural communities across the state.
According to ASRLM, yoga sessions will be conducted in 23,498 villages at 37,383 venues, with an estimated participation of 32,19,898 SHG members, making it one of the largest community-based yoga observances in the state.
In preparation for the event, the Department of AYUSH developed a Common Yoga Protocol comprising basic yoga asanas tailored for SHG members. Participants across Assam have been practising the protocol since June 1.
The Department of AYUSH has also provided extensive support for the programme, including capacity-building initiatives, training of resource persons and the distribution of necessary materials to facilitate yoga activities across the state.Officials said the observance reflects ASRLM’s broader commitment to holistic empowerment by integrating health and wellness initiatives with its ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s collectives and enhance rural livelihoods.
Through the collaborative effort, ASRLM and the Department of AYUSH aim to encourage the regular practice of yoga among SHG members and contribute to building healthier and more resilient rural communities throughout Assam.
