Hyderabad: Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department celebrated International Yoga Day 2026 across all prisons in the state, with Director General Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, highlighting yoga as a tool for rehabilitation and personal transformation. The department organised the programmes to promote physical fitness, mental well-being and emotional balance among inmates.
The celebrations were conducted under the leadership of Dr. Soumya Mishra and included yoga training sessions in prisons across Telangana from June 10 onwards. Several organisations, including Patanjali Yogpeeth, Brahma Kumari, Yodha Academy, Art of Living, iDream Yoga Center, Tathvamasi Fitness Club, Vaidhik Yogpeeth Trust and Alphores Educational Institutions, supported the initiative.
On International Yoga Day, the Director General attended a mass yoga session at Central Prison, Cherlapalli, where a large number of inmates participated. Addressing the gathering, she said yoga helps improve physical health, mental resilience, emotional stability and self-discipline.
Dr. Mishra stated that regular yoga practice encourages positive thinking, inner peace and self-control. She added that these qualities are essential for personal reform and successful reintegration into society after release.
Telangana prisons yoga initiative supports rehabilitation
The Director General said the Telangana Prisons Department remains committed to the holistic reformation of inmates through education, skill development, counselling, sports, cultural activities and wellness programmes. She appreciated the enthusiastic participation of prisoners and encouraged them to continue practising yoga every day.
The yoga session at Central Prison, Cherlapalli, was led by Art of Living instructors Dhanalakshmi, Uma Girish, Shayam Sundar, G. N. Pranay Kumar Naidu and T. Divya. Participants were guided through yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation exercises designed to improve overall well-being.
Dr. D. Srinivas, DIG, Hyderabad Range, G. Pramod, Superintendent of Central Prison, Cherlapalli, D. Bharath, Superintendent of Prisoner’s Agricultural Colony, and other prison officials and staff members attended the programme.