Yoga Over War: Pratima Bhoumik’s Message at Slim & Fit Institute’s 15‑Year Celebration

Agartala, 27 July 2026 – The town hall was buzzing on Sunday as the Slim & Fit Institute wrapped up its 15‑year journey. It wasn’t just another ribbon‑cutting; it was a celebration of breath, balance and a gentle nudge toward healthier habits.

Standing on the stage, former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik—her smile a little weary but earnest—addressed a packed auditorium. She began with a simple, almost surprising claim: “India never exported war; what we gave the world is yoga, a quiet yet powerful invitation to peace.” The statement hung in the air, a reminder that soft power can sometimes speak louder than artillery.

She went on to paint a broader picture. Yoga, she said, has become a symbol of India’s civilisational values—peace, harmony and well‑being. “It isn’t just a series of stretches,” she noted, “it’s a way of life that steadies the mind, strengthens the body and, frankly, makes us a little less cranky when the world spins fast.” A light chuckle rippled through the crowd; the audience could feel the genuine affection she held for the practice.

Bhoumik didn’t shy away from giving credit where it’s due. She pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing his relentless promotion of yoga as “the catalyst that turned an ancient Indian tradition into a global movement.” According to her, Modi’s outreach programmes, from the United Nations International Day of Yoga to school curricula across continents, have helped yoga cross borders without losing its soul.

Beyond the lofty diplomatic talk, the former minister kept the conversation grounded. She urged everyone—students, housewives, senior citizens—to weave yoga into their everyday rhythm, not just as a weekend indulgence. “A healthy body is the foundation for a productive mind,” she said, adding a pause as if recalling a personal habit, “I try to start my mornings with a few asanas; it makes the rest of the day feel… manageable.”

The setting itself echoed the sentiment. The two‑day celebration culminated in a felicitation ceremony where journalists, social workers, and wellness champions received tokens of appreciation. Among them, Jharna Debbarma, Chairperson of the Tripura Women’s Commission, took the mic to echo Bhoumik’s call. “Make yoga a daily habit,” she urged, “especially for our youth who are constantly glued to screens.” Her words felt like a mother’s gentle reminder to her children.

Speaking of youth, the event also hinted at upcoming engagements. The National Commission for Women’s Chairperson, Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, is slated to arrive in Agartala on July 28, promising further dialogue on women’s health and empowerment. The anticipation added a forward‑looking vibe to the otherwise retrospective celebration.

Culture, of course, found its place. Colourful folk performances painted the stage with Tripura’s vibrant heritage, while local musicians strummed soothing melodies that seemed to echo the very breath work being advocated. It was as if the entire city was collectively inhaling optimism.

Behind the scenes, the institute’s founder, Dr Yogacharya Lipika Saha, reflected on fifteen years of sweat, smiles, and steady growth. “We started with a handful of eager learners,” she recalled, “and today we train yoga teachers who go on to inspire villages far beyond our borders.” Her narrative underscored the institute’s dual mission: promote wellness and create livelihood opportunities for trained yoga instructors.

In a world where headlines often scream conflict, the evening served as a quiet counter‑narrative. Bhoumik summed it up succinctly: “When people are healthy, they are less likely to pick up arms. Yoga heals the body; it also heals the heart.” The applause that followed felt more like an affirmation than mere courtesy.

As the lights dimmed and the audience dispersed, there was a lingering sense that something simple—a stretch, a breath—could ripple outwards, shaping societies. The message was clear: India’s most enduring export isn’t a product; it’s a practice that invites the world to sit, breathe, and perhaps, just perhaps, choose peace over conflict.