Leh, Ladakh – The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) successfully co-hosted “Yoga Unplugged,” a signature event for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, on June 17, 2025. Held at the Nagarjuna Auditorium of CIBS, the event aimed to inspire youth and students to embrace yoga for holistic well-being, aligning with the IDY 2025 theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by esteemed dignitaries, followed by an introductory and welcome address by Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, Leh. The event was graced by Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, Vice Chancellor of CIBS, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Om Prakash Chaurasia, Director of DIHAR (DRDO), and renowned Yoga Expert and Film Star, Shri Phuntsog Ladakhi, as Guests of Honor. Special guests included Prof. R.N. Prasad, former Vice Chancellor of Nav Nalanda University Bihar, and Dr. Thinlas Yangjor, Deputy Registrar of CIBS.

Approximately 400 students from various institutions participated in a series of engaging competitions designed to promote yoga. In the Quiz competition, Lamdon Senior Secondary School secured the first position, with the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies taking second. The Cultural program competition saw students from the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa claim the top spot, while students from the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies and Lamdon Senior Secondary School jointly earned second. In the individual Yoga performance competition, Stanzin Wangtak of Mhabodhi School clinched first place, Lobzang Samtan of CIBS secured second, and Tashi Youdon of Mahabodhi Secondary School came in third.

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The event concluded with Chief Guest Prof. Rajesh Ranjan and other distinguished guests distributing prizes to the victorious teams and individuals, celebrating their enthusiasm and dedication to yoga.