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 programme to commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025, under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The event was held on 21st June 2025 at 07:00 hours at the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, St-Inez, Panaji.
The session was formally inaugurated by Shri Rajendra A. Haldankar, Deputy Director (Fire), South & Central Zone, who lit the traditional lamp and addressed the gathering. In his address, Shri Haldankar emphasised the vital role that Yoga can play in the lives of fire service personnel, stating: “Our profession demands exceptional levels of physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional resilience. Firefighters often face unpredictable, high-stress situations where quick thinking, calm decision-making, and stamina are crucial. The regular practice of Yoga improves flexibility, enhances respiratory efficiency, builds core strength, and fosters greater mental clarity. It is also a powerful tool for stress management, helping to reduce fatigue and prevent burnout. I encourage all our officers and personnel to embrace Yoga as an essential part of their daily regimen, to support their health and overall well-being.”
A total of 110 fire & emergency service personnel from the Directorate participated in the session with great enthusiasm. The Yoga and meditation practices were expertly conducted by Smt. Vaishnavi Parab, Senior Yoga Instructor, and Shri Vinod G, Meditation Instructor from The Art of Living Foundation. The instructors led the participants through an integrated sequence of Yoga asanas, Pranayama (breathing techniques), and guided meditation. These practices were specifically chosen to:
- Improve muscular strength and flexibility — critical for physically demanding rescue operations.
- Enhance cardiovascular and respiratory function — vital for endurance and stamina;
- Promote emotional stability and stress resilience — helping personnel remain calm and composed during emergencies.
- Foster mental focus and clarity — essential for making quick, sound decisions under pressure.
The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services remains firmly committed to initiatives that strengthen the holistic well-being of its personnel. Such efforts align with the department’s goal of maintaining a fit, focused, and emotionally balanced workforce capable of delivering the highest standards of emergency response and public safety. A total of 25 fire personnel from the Directorate also participated for the Yoga Day at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim with great enthusiasm.
