The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2026 at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in New Delhi on Sunday, bringing together around 200 officials for a series of activities promoting holistic health, environmental awareness and sustainable living.
Led by MoEFCC Secretary, Tanmay Kumar, officials participated in a mass yoga session held under this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Senior ministry officials also planted indigenous and medicinal saplings in honour of their mothers as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The celebrations featured a poster-making competition on the theme “Samagra Swasthya Aur Sadbhav” (Holistic Health and Harmony), along with a doodle activity and an interactive quiz to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga. Dr. Indu, Assistant Professor at the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), evaluated the competition entries and delivered a lecture highlighting the health benefits of yoga. The top three participants were awarded prizes, while saplings were distributed to all attendees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
As part of the day’s events, the National Zoological Park also organised its Sunday Bird Walk from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Participants identified 39 bird species during the guided tour led by experts, followed by an interactive session on bird conservation and biodiversity.
The programme concluded with visitors taking the Mission LiFE Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable lifestyles. The celebrations reflected the Ministry’s continued efforts to promote wellness, environmental stewardship and healthy living through community engagement initiatives.
