The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 (IDY) today with nationwide enthusiasm and participation. In alignment with this year’s theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, GSI highlighted its commitment to holistic wellness, environmental awareness, and geoscientific outreach through yoga.

As part of the national observance of IDY, a flagship initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, GSI actively participated in ‘Yoga Sangam’, the nationwide mass yoga demonstration led by the Prime Minister. The event symbolized unity and well-being and served as a central highlight of this year’s celebrations.

At GSI Central Headquarters in Kolkata, Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI inaugurated the Yoga Day observance with a guided session led by certified instructors. Addressing the gathering, Shri Saha emphasized yoga’s transformative impact on clarity, focus, and resilience, qualities vital to both scientific excellence and personal growth.

As part of the celebrations, GSI organized 50 yoga sessions across 46 locations in India, including regional and state unit offices, training centres, and operational field camps. A major highlight was the open-air yoga demonstrations at 12 geo-heritage sites, integrating physical well-being with the celebration of India's geological legacy. The geo-heritage sites witnessed enthusiastic participation from GSI officials, local communities, students, and the general public.

These landmark sites included:

1. Ancient Mining City of Zawar, Rajasthan – Renowned for ancient zinc smelting practices dating back to 800 BC.
2. Rahioli Dinosaur Fossil Park, Gujarat – Home to fossilized remains and eggs of various dinosaur species.
3. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh – A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring prehistoric rock art.
4. Nighoj Natural Potholes, Maharashtra – Noted for its water-carved rock formations on the Kukadi River.
5. Dudhinala, Jharkhand – Famous for glaciomarine imprints and sedimentary features.
6. Gangani River Gorge, West Bengal – Popularly known as the “Grand Canyon of Bengal” for its vibrant lateritic landscape.
7. Siwalik Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh – Showcasing fossilized remains of ancient mammals.
8. Salkhan Fossil Park, Uttar Pradesh – Known for stromatolite fossils from the Proterozoic era.
9. Arwah-Lumshynna Cave, Meghalaya – Housing spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.
10. St. Thomas Mount Charnockite, Tamil Nadu – Exposing 2500 million-year-old charnockite, a significant metamorphic rock.
11. Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, Karnataka – A 3000 million-year-old gneissic outcrop of great geological significance.
12. Mangampeta Barytes Deposit, Andhra Pradesh – One of the world’s largest barytes deposits.

Through this multi-location initiative, GSI successfully blended the timeless practice of yoga with its scientific mission, reinforcing the synergy between health, environment, and heritage.

Glimpses of the Yoga Day Celebrations

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Shuhaib T