Yoga Day Gangtok: Strength and Smiles for Specially-Abled Kids

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Yoga Day Gangtok
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This year’s Yoga Day Gangtok celebration brought joy and empowerment to specially-abled children through a series of inclusive yoga sessions. The event, organized by local NGOs with support from the Sikkim Social Welfare Department, focused on adapting yoga to meet the needs of children with physical and developmental challenges.

By making yoga accessible, the program ensured every child could participate fully and benefit from the practice. Through gentle guidance and customized poses, children with diverse physical and developmental challenges discovered the joy and benefits of yoga. The event marks a milestone in Gangtok’s journey towards inclusive health and wellness.

Inclusive Yoga in Gangtok: A First for Many

At the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Centre, over 70 children joined in guided yoga exercises designed specifically for their abilities. Certified instructors led the sessions with modified poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.

Lhamu Bhutia, the lead instructor, shared, “Yoga Day Gangtok is about showing that yoga belongs to everyone, regardless of ability. These children gained confidence and strength today.”

Parents and volunteers helped maintain an encouraging and supportive atmosphere, where smiles and laughter filled the room.

How Yoga Day Gangtok Made Yoga Accessible

Organizers took special steps to ensure inclusivity during Yoga Day Gangtok:

  • Sign language interpreters helped those with hearing impairments follow instructions easily.
  • Visual aids and tactile tools supported children with cognitive challenges.
  • Volunteers offered personalized help during the sessions to maintain safety and comfort.
  • Adaptive yoga mats made it possible for children in wheelchairs to join without difficulty.

Thanks to these efforts, children with different needs could enjoy yoga safely and comfortably.

For more on Sikkim’s inclusive health programs, visit Sikkim Social Welfare.

Smiles and Strength: The Impact of Yoga Day Gangtok

The event concluded with certificates, yoga kits, and healthy snacks for all participants. Parents expressed gratitude for an activity that truly included their children.

Rinchen Lepcha, a mother from Namchi, said, “Thanks to Yoga Day Gangtok, my daughter felt part of a big celebration. Her joy was priceless.”

The benefits of the event went beyond physical exercise. Children reported feeling calmer, more focused, and joyful.

Moreover, the event strengthened social bonds among participants. Children and families connected, forming new friendships and support networks. Such community building is vital for the emotional well-being of specially-abled individuals.

Government and NGO Collaboration in Sikkim

The success of Yoga Day is the result of coordinated efforts from:

  • District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Gangtok
  • Sikkim Department of Social Welfare
  • Local NGOs like the Hope Foundation Gangtok

They plan to hold regular inclusive yoga sessions in schools across Sikkim to expand the program’s reach.

Why This Matters Beyond Gangtok

Events like these challenge narrow ideas of who yoga is for. They reinforce that wellness is a right, not a privilege, especially for differently-abled children who often face barriers to fitness and mindfulness.

Learn more about adaptive yoga benefits for differently-abled children at AYUSH Ministry.

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