Inspiring Yoga Triumph: Indian Army Embraces Yoga Across Toughest Terrains from Siachen to Shahi Kangri

In a truly inspiring demonstration of discipline, endurance, and national spirit, the Indian Army marked International Yoga Day 2025 by performing yoga across some of the most extreme and high-altitude locations in the world. From the icy winds of the Siachen Glacier to the rugged landscape of Shahi Kangri in eastern Ladakh, soldiers practiced yoga in tough terrains, proving that wellness knows no boundaries.

Yoga in Tough Terrains: A Testament to Grit and Focus

This year’s Yoga Day theme—“Yoga for Self and Society”—resonated powerfully with India’s brave men in uniform. At an altitude of over 18,000 feet, amidst sub-zero temperatures and limited oxygen, the act of performing yoga was not just symbolic but a testament to the army’s unbreakable spirit and resilience. Practicing yoga in tough terrains brings unparalleled physical benefits and significantly enhances mental clarity and emotional stability, essential for soldiers posted in such isolated regions.

Siachen Glacier: Where Stillness Meets Strength

The Siachen Glacier, known as the highest battlefield in the world, witnessed Indian Army personnel performing yoga asanas against a backdrop of ice-clad peaks. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures and harsh weather, the soldiers showcased remarkable balance and flexibility, emphasizing how yoga in tough terrains can boost stamina and prevent altitude-related illnesses.

Yoga at such altitudes is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply therapeutic. Regular yoga helps improve respiratory efficiency, strengthens core muscles, and enhances blood circulation, crucial for soldiers operating in extreme cold and high altitude.

Shahi Kangri: Defying Limits Through Discipline

At Shahi Kangri, near the eastern fringes of Ladakh, soldiers celebrated Yoga Day in yet another rugged location, known for its steep, rocky inclines and severe climate. Yoga mats were rolled out on uneven terrain, but the determination to embrace peace through yoga remained undeterred. The message was loud and clear: yoga in tough terrains builds not only stronger soldiers but also calmer minds.

Officers emphasized that yoga is now a core part of the Army’s training regimen, especially for troops deployed in high-altitude areas. It aids in reducing anxiety, improves sleep patterns, and maintains muscle coordination during long deployments.

Yoga: A Critical Wellness Tool in Defence Operations

The Indian Army has increasingly adopted yoga as a daily wellness discipline. With life-threatening challenges at every step—avalanches, frostbite, isolation—yoga in tough terrains helps soldiers maintain internal harmony. The Army believes that yoga bridges the gap between mental well-being and operational effectiveness.

Instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga have been collaborating with defence forces to customize yoga modules suitable for harsh environments. Soldiers have reported better concentration, emotional control, and endurance after including yoga in their daily routine.

A Nationwide Movement: From Sea Level to Summit

While the high-altitude locations gained the spotlight, Yoga Day activities were organized across every regiment and command—be it deserts, forests, or coastal regions. The coordinated effort reflected a deep commitment to physical and spiritual health, unified by the central theme of practicing yoga in tough terrains.

Across Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and remote outposts in the Andaman Islands, Army personnel joined hands—literally and figuratively—to participate in a shared celebration of health and discipline.

Public Reactions and Government Support

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Army’s efforts, calling them “an embodiment of India’s yogic heritage and the spirit of resilience.” Citizens flooded social media with images and heartfelt messages applauding the Army’s discipline and adaptability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed admiration, saying, “When our brave soldiers stretch and breathe on the world’s toughest terrains, they inspire the nation to rise above every difficulty.”

Conclusion: A Powerful Message to the World

By embracing yoga in tough terrains, the Indian Army has sent a powerful global message—wellness is not confined by location, temperature, or hardship. It is a state of mind, a lifestyle, and a weapon of peace that strengthens our defence forces from within.

As the world looks for balance between mental well-being and physical strength, the Indian Army stands tall—not just as warriors, but as practitioners of inner peace. The image of a soldier meditating in snow gear, surrounded by glaciers, is a symbol of India’s evolving approach to health, discipline, and holistic defence.