Forest department officials and mahouts performed a group yoga session alongside Kunki elephants at Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal on June 21, 2023 [1].
The event aimed to link the ancient practice of yoga with wildlife conservation, framing the session as symbolic "breathwork for the planet" [1]. By integrating these animals into the celebration, officials sought to highlight the interdependence between human wellness and the preservation of natural habitats.
The session took place in the Alipurduar district, where the Kunki elephants, trained elephants used by the forest department for management and rescue operations, joined the participants [1]. The display of mindfulness in a wilderness setting served as a visual representation of the harmony the department hopes to maintain between the local human population and the region's wildlife.
This event was part of a larger series of celebrations across the state. More than 250 yoga sessions were held throughout West Bengal to mark International Yoga Day [2]. These activities spanned various districts, bringing together government employees, students, and the general public.
In the state's capital, the scale of the observance was even larger. Thousands of people participated in events in Kolkata [2]. While the city celebrations focused on urban health and wellness, the Jaldapara session shifted the focus toward environmental stewardship and the role of forest protectors.
The use of the Kunki elephants emphasizes the specialized bond between the mahouts and the animals they manage. These elephants are essential for the park's operational success, and the yoga session served as a public acknowledgement of their presence in the conservation ecosystem [1].
“The session served as symbolic 'breathwork for the planet'.”
The integration of wildlife into a global health observance like International Yoga Day reflects a growing trend in India to use cultural practices to promote environmental consciousness. By framing yoga as 'breathwork for the planet,' the West Bengal Forest Department is attempting to shift the public perception of conservation from a purely regulatory activity to a holistic, spiritual necessity for planetary survival.
