DIRECTORATE OF FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA 2026

The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Goa Chapter of The Art of Living Foundation, founded by Gurudev    Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, organised a special Yoga session to commemorate the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 on 21st June 2026 at 07:00 hrs at the Directorate Headquarters, St. Inez, Panaji.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Rajendra A. Haldankar, Deputy Director (Fire), South & Central Zone, who lit the traditional lamp and addressed the gathering. In his address, he highlighted the importance of Yoga in enhancing the physical fitness, mental alertness, emotional resilience, and overall well-being of fire service personnel. He emphasised that regular practice of Yoga helps improve flexibility, respiratory efficiency, stamina, concentration, and stress management, thereby enabling firefighters to perform their duties more effectively during emergencies.

A total of 110 officers and personnel of the Directorate participated enthusiastically in the programme. The Yoga and meditation session was conducted by Smt. Latika Bhashyam, Instructor, and Shri Vinod Khathote, Instructor, from the Goa Chapter of The Art of Living Foundation.

The participants were guided through various Yoga asanas, Pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation practices aimed at:

* Improving muscular strength and flexibility required for rescue operations;
* Enhancing cardiovascular and respiratory fitness for better endurance;
* Promoting emotional stability and resilience to stress;
* Strengthening mental focus and clarity for effective decision-making during emergencies.

The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services remains committed to promoting the holistic well-being of its personnel through such initiatives. These efforts contribute towards maintaining a healthy, fit, and motivated workforce capable of delivering efficient emergency response services and ensuring public safety.

The programme was compered by Shri Rupesh Sawant, Station Fire Officer, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Shripad Gawas, Divisional Officer.