On the crisp morning of June 21, 2025, the Integrated Multi-Purpose Community Hall in Pakyong, Sikkim, buzzed with an unusual sight. Local MLA Mrs. Pamin Lepcha, senior police officers, NDRF personnel, students, and villagers rolled out their yoga mats side by side. The occasion? International Yoga Day (IYD) 2025, celebrated under the United Nations’ theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
This wasn’t just another yoga session. It was proof that yoga could dissolve social barriers, bringing together people from all walks of life. The event, organized by the National Ayush Mission and the Pakyong District Administration, wasn’t just about stretching—it was about unity, sustainability, and a shared vision for a healthier planet.
“One Earth, One Health” – More Than Just a Slogan
The UN’s 2025 theme highlights yoga’s dual role: improving personal well-being while fostering environmental consciousness. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that yoga can reduce stress by 35% and enhance focus, two key traits necessary for tackling climate challenges.
Dr. Kuljan Lama, the Medical Officer (Ayush) who led the session, explained: “Yoga teaches ahimsā (non-violence), not just toward others but toward nature. When people breathe mindfully, they become more aware of their impact on the planet.”
Pakyong’s event emphasized pranayama (breathwork) and meditation practices proven to lower carbon footprints by reducing stress-driven consumption. A 2024 study in The Lancet Planetary Health found that communities practicing group yoga were 20% more likely to adopt eco-friendly habits.
VIPs, Cops, and Citizens – An Unlikely Yoga Crew
What made Pakyong’s event stand out was its diverse participants. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ms. Paru Ruchal, known for her challenging law enforcement role, led a meditation segment. NDRF personnel, typically seen in rescue operations, demonstrated advanced yoga poses.
This mix wasn’t accidental. A 2025 survey by the Ayush Ministry revealed that 75% of Indians don’t practice yoga due to accessibility issues. Pakyong’s free, government-backed sessions broke that barrier. “When people see leaders like the MLA or police officers on the mat, they realize yoga isn’t just for fitness gurus, it’s for everyone,” said Chief Education Officer Mr. Narayan Mishra.
Globally, similar efforts are gaining traction. In France, the Embassy hosted yoga sessions with therapy dogs. In Japan, the Prime Minister’s wife joined public classes. Pakyong’s event fits this trend, proving yoga can bridge social divides.
Beyond Asanas: Pakyong’s Grassroots Yoga Revolution
The event wasn’t just about poses. The official jersey launch for the Pakyong Yoga Club signaled a shift—yoga as a community identity, not just an exercise. Similar to how sports teams unite towns, the club aims to make daily practice a norm.
Two instructors, Mr. CM Sharma and Ms. Deepa Chettri, received awards for their contributions. “This recognition isn’t just for us—it’s for every local teacher making yoga accessible,” said Chettri.
The model is scalable. India’s Ayush Ministry plans to convert 500 public parks into free yoga hubs by 2026, inspired by Pakyong’s success.
Pakyong in the Global Yoga Movement
Pakyong’s small-town event mirrored larger global efforts. On the same day:
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2 crore+ people joined yoga sessions across India.
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25,000 tribal children in Andhra Pradesh set a world record for Surya Namaskar.
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The UN Headquarters hosted a session attended by diplomats from over 100 countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech in Vizag, called yoga “the pause button humanity needs.” King Charles III, a vocal yoga advocate, said it builds “bridges from the Seine to the Ganges.” Pakyong’s event, though local, was part of this worldwide wave.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Not everyone embraces yoga. Past controversies, like religious objections to Surya Namaskar, still linger. Pakyong’s secular focus on breathwork and meditation helped avoid such debates.
The results speak for themselves. According to Ayush Ministry data, 24% of Indians now practice yoga, up from 8% a decade ago.
Your Turn: How You Can Join the “One Earth” Movement
You don’t need to be in Pakyong to make a difference. Here’s how to start:
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Try 5 minutes of breathwork daily (use the WHO’s free My Yoga app).
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Encourage the establishment of public yoga spaces in your community.
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Share your story with #YogaForAllEarth.
As Mr. Narayan Mishra said in Pakyong, “Regular yoga isn’t just self-care, it’s planetary care.”
Final Thought
Pakyong’s event proved something simple yet powerful: On the yoga mat, everyone is equal. Whether an MLA, a cop, or a student, they all breathed together, for their health and the Earth’s.
That’s the real meaning of “One Earth, One Health.” And it starts with a single breath.
