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.

International

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


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.