The 12th International Day of Yoga was observed across Visakhapatnam district on Sunday with participation from government departments, educational institutions, public sector undertakings, defence establishments, welfare hostels and correctional institutions, underscoring the growing acceptance of yoga as a tool for physical and mental well-being.

The district-level Yogandhra programme, originally planned at R.K. Beach and shifted to Sagarika Convention Hall due to heavy rain, was attended by Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. Addressing participants, the Home Minister said that the State government’s objective was to build a healthier Andhra Pradesh and urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives. She highlighted the fortnight-long Yogandhra campaign organised across the State and described yoga as India’s invaluable gift to the world.

Government Whip P. Ganababu, Gajuwaka MLA and TDP AP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, Joint Collector Gobbilla Vidhyadhari and Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar participated in the event, which featured mass yoga demonstrations and a felicitation programme for yoga teachers and competition winners.

Defence and maritime establishments also marked the occasion. Around 400 personnel and family members participated in a yoga session organised by the Indian Coast Guard. Additional Director General Donny Michael emphasised the role of yoga in maintaining fitness, reducing stress and promoting healthy ageing.

At Hindustan Shipyard Limited, employees observed the day in line with the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) Capt. Ganti Venkateswarlu encouraged employees to adopt yoga as a lifelong practice.

The observance extended to the Central Prison, Visakhapatnam, where about 1,200 inmates and 80 staff members participated in yoga and meditation sessions. Superintendent M. Mahesh Babu said yoga contributed to rehabilitation by promoting discipline, emotional balance and positive behavioural change.

Educational and welfare institutions also joined the celebrations. Heartfulness meditation and yoga sessions were organised in Social Welfare Department hostels, including boys’ and girls’ hostels at Bheemunipatnam. Deputy Director K. Rama Rao and representatives of the Heartfulness Society interacted with students, highlighting the role of yoga and meditation in improving concentration, mental health and responsible citizenship.

Officials said the district-wide observance reflected the collective commitment of institutions and citizens towards healthier lifestyles through yoga.