Expressnews
Chennai, June 21, 2026: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS),the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, celebrated the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at its Southern Regional Office (SRO), Chennai. Officers and staff members from BIS Southern Regional Office, Chennai Branch Office and Southern Regional Laboratory enthusiastically participated in the programme, reaffirming their commitment towards health, wellness and holistic living.
The International Day of Yoga 2026 was observed globally under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the role of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional resilience and healthy living across all age groups. The theme reflects the growing recognition of yoga as a preventive healthcare practice that supports active and healthy lifestyles.
More than 75 officers and staff members participated in the yoga session conducted at the BIS campus. The session was led by renowned Yoga Instructor Smt. Lavanya Balu, Founder of La Wellness, Chennai, who guided participants through a structured programme beginning with basic stretching exercises and warm-up movements, followed by yoga asanas, breathing techniques (Pranayama), relaxation exercises and meditation practices. The session emphasized correct posture, mindful breathing and the integration of yoga into daily life for overall physical and mental well-being.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sandeep Kumar Kanogia, Scientist-F and Deputy Director General (Southern Region), Bureau of Indian Standards, highlighted the significance of International Day of Yoga and expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister for successfully taking India’s ancient yoga tradition to the Global Stage through the United Nations, leading to the Worldwide observance of International Day of Yoga.
Speaking on the role of standards in promoting quality and consistency, Shri Kanogia stated, “Just as standards bring uniformity, quality and trust in products and services, they also play an important role in promoting systematic and safe yoga practices. BIS, in association with the Ministry of AYUSH and other stakeholders, has developed Indian Standards covering various aspects of yoga, including yoga training and yoga-related products. These standards help ensure quality, safety and consistency, thereby benefiting practitioners and consumers alike. Standards for products such as yoga mats also provide assurance to the public regarding quality and performance.”
He further emphasized that the development of standards follows a transparent consultative process involving experts from Government Departments, Industry, Academia, Consumer Organizations and other Stakeholders, thereby ensuring that the standards serve the needs of society while promoting best practices.
The International Day of Yoga 2026 programme at BIS Southern Regional Office was successfully coordinated by Shri Satish Kumar, Assistant Director (Administration & Finance), Southern Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Standards. In his concluding remarks, he thanked all participants for their enthusiastic involvement and contribution to the success of the programme. Emphasising that yoga should not be limited to a single day of observance, he encouraged participants to make yoga a part of their daily routine and adopt it as a way of life for achieving better physical health, mental well-being and a balanced lifestyle. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to embrace yoga regularly and promote the message of health, harmony and holistic well-being.
BIS continues to support initiatives that promote quality of life, health and consumer well-being while advancing the standardization ecosystem of the country. The celebration of International Day of Yoga 2026 served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of yoga in fostering a healthier, more balanced and productive society.
