Tag: yoga awareness

Health

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

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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

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

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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.

International

Vibrant Yoga Session Lights Up Plaza de Zorrilla Ahead of 11th International Day of Yoga

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Valladolid, Spain – June 11, 2025
As the world gears up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), the city of Valladolid witnessed a colorful and energetic prelude. A vibrant yoga session unfolded at the iconic Plaza de Zorrilla, drawing enthusiastic participants from all walks of life.

Organized in collaboration with the Ayuntamiento de Valladolid (@AyuntamientoVLL) and Casa de la India (@casaindiavll), the open-air event served as a unifying moment for the local community while celebrating the values of health, harmony, and mindfulness that yoga represents.

The early morning session saw yoga practitioners of all ages — from young children to senior citizens — join together in a collective rhythm of breathing, stretching, and stillness. Certified instructors led the session, guiding attendees through a mix of classic asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and relaxation techniques.

The backdrop of the historic Plaza de Zorrilla added a layer of cultural beauty, merging tradition with modern wellness in an inspiring setting. Passersby stopped to watch or spontaneously joined in, turning the event into a truly inclusive celebration of well-being.

This event is part of a series of global activities leading up to IDY 2025 on June 21, promoted by the Government of India and supported by Indian cultural institutions around the world. Yoga, with its origins in ancient India, has now become a global movement for physical and mental wellness.

“Events like these show that yoga is not just a physical activity — it’s a way to bring people together in the spirit of peace, balance, and community,” said a representative from Casa de la India.

The partnership between the City Council of Valladolid and Casa de la India highlights the strong cultural ties between India and Spain. Through events like this, both institutions continue to promote dialogue, wellness, and mutual understanding.

Human Interest

Goa Government Mandates Yoga Day Participation for Employees, Launches Statewide Wellness Drive

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Month-Long Yoga Sessions Begin June 1 Across All Government Departments

In a bold and wellness-driven initiative, the Government of Goa has announced that participation in International Yoga Day on June 21 is now mandatory for all employees working in government departments, semi-government bodies, and public sector corporations. The announcement marks a significant shift in policy, as Yoga Day participation was previously optional.

This landmark decision was made following a high-level planning meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who emphasized the importance of integrating wellness practices into the daily routines of public servants to promote healthier lifestyles and improve workplace productivity.

Starting June 1, 2025, all departments under the Government of Goa will hold daily yoga sessions with 100% employee participation expected. These sessions are part of a larger wellness campaign leading up to International Yoga Day on June 21.

Employees unable to attend official sessions must participate at a nearby venue—such as a temple, school, or community center—and are required to submit a photograph of their participation to their respective Heads of Departments for verification.

“It is compulsory for government employees to take part in International Yoga Day activities. If they cannot attend the official sessions, they must participate at a local venue and submit a photo as proof,”
– Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant

In line with the Centre’s Mission Karmayogi, which focuses on transforming public service delivery through capacity building, the Goa government has also urged all employees to register on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. Officials are encouraged to enroll in the ‘Yoga at Workplace’ certificate course, available on the platform, to deepen their understanding of wellness in professional life.

As part of the wider campaign, yoga sessions will also be introduced in all government and higher secondary schools across the state starting June 4, coinciding with the beginning of the new academic year. The Department of Education will ensure that yoga becomes a routine morning activity for students and teachers alike, helping instill wellness habits early in life.

To ensure wide-scale participation, the state will host International Yoga Day celebrations at 30 different venues on June 21. These events will be coordinated by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with local bodies, yoga institutions, and civil society groups.

Chief Minister Dr. Sawant highlighted that this initiative is not merely a symbolic observance but a deliberate step toward building a healthier, more efficient, and stress-resilient workforce. He noted that the mental and physical benefits of yoga translate directly into improved focus, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity in public offices.

“This initiative is not only beneficial for physical health but will also contribute to improved work efficiency,”
– Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa

By mandating participation and embedding yoga into daily routines, Goa has become one of the first states in India to adopt such a comprehensive wellness model within the public sector. The initiative is expected to set a benchmark for other states looking to integrate health and mindfulness practices into their administrative frameworks.

🔗 For More Information:

  • Register for the Yoga at Workplace course: https://igotkarmayogi.gov.in
  • Follow updates from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs
  • Contact your Head of Department for daily session timings and venues