Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of officers from stakeholder departments to finalise arrangements for the observance of International Day of Yoga 2026. The meeting reviewed preparations for the district-level celebration to be held on June 21 at the Sports Stadium Kathua.
A mega yoga session will commence at 6:00 am with participation from officers, students, employees, volunteers and members of civil society. The meeting was informed that a week-long series of yoga sessions and awareness programmes will be organised across the district from June 15 to June 21 under the "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" campaign.
Reviewing the arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner directed the AYUSH Department to ensure the availability of qualified instructors and make necessary logistical arrangements. The Health Department was instructed to ensure the participation of its staff and deploy ambulances and medical teams at the venue.
The Police Department was tasked with security, while the Public Works Department was directed to provide logistical support. The Education Department was asked to mobilise students, including NSS and NCC volunteers, for active participation.
Mr Sharma further directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure adequate drinking water facilities and the Municipal Council Kathua to manage sanitation and cleanliness. The Information Department was asked to undertake extensive publicity to encourage public participation.
The Deputy Commissioner called for close coordination among all departments to ensure the successful conduct of the celebrations. Representatives of social organisations, including Patanjali Yogpeeth and local yoga groups, assured the administration of full cooperation in mobilising participants.
Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Surinder Mohan Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan, Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur, the District AYUSH Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Executive Engineers of the departments concerned and officers from the Police Department.