Health

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, Celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 with Energy and Enthusiasm


Aldona, Goa | June 21, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of health, mindfulness, and discipline, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona observed International Yoga Day 2025 with a meaningful program that brought together over 350 students in a one-hour yoga session on the morning of June 21st, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in the school hall.

Guided by the global theme of “Harmony Between Mind and Body,” the school embraced Yoga Day as an opportunity to instill values of wellness and inner balance in the young generation.


🧘 A Session Led with Purpose and Precision

The session was expertly conducted by the school’s Physical Education teacher, Sir R.J. Vijaykumar, supported by a dedicated team of student volunteers. Students followed the Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH, performing foundational yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and stretches that promote both mental clarity and physical strength.

The hour-long session provided students not only with physical activity but also moments of reflection, calm, and self-awareness — aligning perfectly with Yoga Day’s core intention.


📚 Students Lead the Way with Interactive Program

Adding depth and context to the celebration, the students of Std. XII Science organized a brief assembly program that included:

  • An interactive PowerPoint presentation highlighting the origins, scientific benefits, and real-life applications of yoga.
  • A thought-provoking skit emphasizing the integration of yoga into daily routines for mental resilience and emotional well-being.

The student-led presentation resonated deeply with peers and teachers alike, driving home the message that yoga is more than exercise — it’s a way of life.


💬 Reflections and Impact

School Principal and staff commended the efforts of the students and the PE department for delivering a well-rounded, impactful event that stayed true to the spirit of International Yoga Day.

“Yoga brings about unity — of mind, body, and soul. Today’s celebration was a beautiful reminder of that, and we are proud of our students for embracing it so wholeheartedly,” said one faculty member.

The program inspired many students to view yoga as a sustainable, lifelong wellness habit, rather than just a one-day event.


🌿 Nurturing Future-Ready Students Through Ancient Wisdom

By weaving yoga into the school culture, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona continues its commitment to nurturing holistically healthy, emotionally resilient, and physically active young individuals. Events like these ensure that the next generation carries forward the rich legacy of Indian traditions while building a strong foundation for future challenges.

Health

Indian Coast Guard Goa Celebrates 11th International Day of Yoga with a Series of Wellness Events


Strengthening Mind, Body & Spirit Through “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

Goa | June 21, 2025 — The Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters (DHQ) Goa marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with a week-long celebration from June 10 to 21, reflecting the global spirit of wellness, discipline, and unity through Yoga.

In keeping with the 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the Coast Guard’s initiative emphasized the role of Yoga not only in individual well-being but also in promoting collective harmony and environmental mindfulness.


🗓️ Week-Long Activities for Holistic Development

The Indian Coast Guard curated an engaging and impactful series of events focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. These activities were designed to involve not only the personnel but also the broader community, including students, cadets, women, and families.

Key Highlights:

  • 🧘‍♀️ Motivational Session by Brahma Kumaris:
    A special lecture focused on mental resilience, mindfulness, and inner peace was held by the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organization. Coast Guard personnel and families benefited from this unique spiritual dialogue.
  • 📚 Yoga for NCC Cadets & Students:
    Multiple yoga sessions were conducted for NCC cadets and students from various schools, highlighting the importance of building wellness habits early in life.
  • 👩‍⚕️ Yoga for Women’s Health:
    Specialized sessions were arranged for women, focusing on physical fitness, hormonal balance, and mental calm — reaffirming yoga’s vital role in women’s holistic health.
  • 🛡️ Yoga for Coast Guard Personnel:
    Regular yoga routines were practiced by Coast Guard officers, sailors, and staff, integrating yoga into their physically demanding lifestyle to enhance endurance, concentration, and stress management.

🧘‍♂️ Grand Culmination on June 21

The celebration reached its peak with a Mega Yoga Session on June 21, 2025, the official International Day of Yoga, held at the Indian Coast Guard complex in Goa.

Over 350 participants, including Coast Guard officers, men, women, children, and yoga instructors, came together to demonstrate and practice a series of asanas, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation.

The event brought together people from diverse backgrounds, united by their shared belief in the power of Yoga to transform lives. Skilled instructors guided the participants, creating an atmosphere of mindfulness, unity, and cultural pride.


🗣️ Emphasizing the Vision of “One Earth, One Health”

Speaking on the occasion, senior Coast Guard officers highlighted the critical connection between individual health and planetary well-being. They reiterated how yoga, a legacy of Indian heritage, has now become a global solution for modern challenges — from mental health to ecological balance.

“Yoga is not just exercise, it is India’s gift to the world — for balance, clarity, and connectedness. It aligns perfectly with our duty-bound lifestyle in the Coast Guard, fostering physical endurance and spiritual awareness,” said one commanding officer.


🙏 A Commitment to Continued Practice

This week-long celebration reaffirmed the Indian Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy lifestyle, not just through fitness routines but through ancient Indian practices that promote inner and outer harmony.

Whether through structured discipline for officers or empowering young students and women, the event successfully conveyed that Yoga is for everyone — anytime, anywhere.

Health

JCI Ponda Leads International Yoga Day Celebration at Dharbandora School, Promoting Wellness Among Youth


Dharbandora, Goa | June 21, 2025 — In alignment with the global spirit of International Yoga Day, JCI Ponda organized a rejuvenating yoga session at Matoshri Anandibai Vaman Marathe Vidyamandir, Dharbandora. The initiative aimed to inspire young minds to embrace the timeless practice of yoga as a tool for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 100+ students from the school, who engaged in various yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques in a vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere.


🌿 Building Healthy Habits Through Yoga

The session began with light warm-up exercises to prepare the body and mind, followed by a sequence of foundational yoga asanas such as:

  • 🪷 Padmasana – The Lotus Pose for meditation
  • 🌲 Tadasana – The Mountain Pose for posture and balance
  • 🪑 Vrikshasana – The Tree Pose for strength and concentration

These were complemented by a set of Pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) and a short guided meditation session to help students center themselves and experience inner calm.

The school premises were filled with the energy of focused students and committed mentors — reflecting the core message of Yoga Day: “Yoga for Harmony and Peace.”


👩‍🏫 A Community Effort Rooted in Support

The success of the program was made possible by the active support of school leadership and JCI Ponda members. Ms. Manjusha Ravindra Naik, Headmistress of the school, was specially thanked for her encouragement and vision in fostering a culture of health and mindfulness among students.

JCI Ponda was also honored by the presence of:

  • JFP Sneha Naik, Past President
  • JC HGF Janhavi Shet Tilve, Past President
  • JC HGF Amey Shet Tilve
  • JR JC Rushank Natekar

Their presence lent inspiration and gravitas to the session, reinforcing JCI Ponda’s commitment to youth development through impactful community initiatives.


🧘‍♀️ Reflections from the Organizers

JC Vadiraj Inamdar, President of JCI Ponda, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school and the team, saying:

“Yoga is a lifestyle, not just a practice. It’s encouraging to see young students connect with something so deeply rooted in our culture yet so relevant in today’s fast-paced world.”

JFM Muskan Naik, Secretary, and JC Mahadev Shinde, Project Coordinator, were instrumental in organizing the event, ensuring smooth execution and meaningful engagement throughout the session.


🌞 A Step Towards a Healthier Tomorrow

The event closed with collective reflections, gratitude, and a renewed pledge to carry forward the practice of yoga beyond just one day — into the daily routines of these young learners.

By integrating yoga into school activities, JCI Ponda has once again demonstrated its dedication to holistic youth development and community wellness.

Health

Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza Leads International Yoga Day Celebration, Emphasizes Wellness and Unity


Celebrating 11 Years of Good Governance with a Collective Commitment to a Healthier, Mindful, and United Viksit Bharat

MAPUSA, GOA — June 21, 2025
In a spirited observance of International Yoga Day, Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza led a vibrant and inclusive yoga session, organized by BJP Mapusa in collaboration with the Patanjali Yog Samiti, Bardez, to mark the 11 Years of Good Governance under visionary leadership.

Held in the heart of Mapusa, the event witnessed participation from local leaders, government employees, party karyakartas, and citizens, reinforcing the timeless Indian message of wellness, mindfulness, and unity through yoga.

🌿 A Morning of Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation

The session included guided practices of yoga asanas, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, promoting both physical vitality and inner calm. The collective effort reflected the shared values of discipline, health, and balance — qualities deeply rooted in India’s yogic heritage.

Chief yoga instructors Smt Rupali Yashwant Gaundalkar and Shri Virupaksh Betagiri from Patanjali Yog Samiti Bardez led the participants through a rejuvenating routine, accessible to people of all age groups and fitness levels.

🗣️ Leadership Speaks: Vision for Viksit Bharat

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Joshua De Souza said:

“Yoga is not just a practice — it is a philosophy of life. As we celebrate 11 years of good governance, we must also nurture a culture of holistic wellness. A healthy body and a focused mind are the cornerstones of a strong and united Viksit Bharat.”

He thanked all participants and organizers, especially the Patanjali Yog Samiti Bardez, for their contribution toward building a healthier community and strengthening the fabric of unity through shared practices like yoga.

🤝 Dignitaries and Organizers Present

Also present at the event were:

  • BJP Mapusa Mandal President: Shri Yogesh Khedekar
  • General Secretaries: Shri Hanumant Warang and Shri Yashwant Gaundalkar
  • Senior yoga instructors and wellness advocates
  • Local government employees and active BJP karyakartas

The event highlighted a strong sense of community and participation, embodying the spirit of “Yoga for All” and aligning with India’s broader mission of promoting well-being as a national priority.

🌍 A Vision Beyond Fitness

International Yoga Day 2025 in Mapusa wasn’t just about physical fitness — it was about inspiring a movement. The program encouraged citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and emphasized how ancient Indian wisdom can address modern health challenges, both physically and mentally.

Health

Sudarshan Patnaik Creates Mesmerizing Sand Art at Puri Beach for International Day of Yoga 2025


Puri, Odisha | June 21, 2025 – On the serene shores of Puri Beach, the world-renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik marked the International Day of Yoga 2025 with an awe-inspiring piece of sand art that drew crowds and international attention. The artwork, which seamlessly blended elements of yoga postures, the sun, and the globe, stood as a symbol of peace, health, and unity—core principles that define yoga’s global appeal.

Created with incredible precision and spiritual depth, Patnaik’s sand sculpture depicted a meditative figure seated in a lotus pose, set against the rising sun—representing enlightenment and the universal energy that yoga seeks to connect us with. The message “Yoga for Harmony and Peace” was etched alongside the artwork, capturing the essence of this year’s global celebration.

Sudarshan Patnaik, who has previously represented India in numerous international sand art festivals, has been a cultural ambassador for both the art form and for social awareness through creative expression. On this special day, his creation served not just as a tribute to yoga, but also as a reminder of the power of art in inspiring mindfulness, health, and global solidarity.

Hundreds of locals, tourists, and yoga enthusiasts gathered around the installation throughout the day, many joining yoga sessions on the beach, encouraged by the spiritual ambiance and the symbolic power of the art. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of the sculpture, with the hashtag #InternationalDayofYoga2025 trending across India.

Patnaik shared his thoughts with the media, saying, “Yoga is India’s priceless gift to the world, and through my sand art, I wish to spread its timeless message of peace and well-being.”

This artistic celebration on Puri’s golden sands beautifully captured the spirit of Yoga Day 2025—reminding the world once again of the deep-rooted connection between culture, creativity, and wellness.