Tag: yoga in Goa

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Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) Celebrates International Yoga Day with a Renewed Focus on Wellness and Mindfulness

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Senior Leadership, Staff, and Wellness Experts Come Together in a Unified Display of Holistic Well-being

Panaji, June 21, 2025 – On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) hosted a dedicated yoga session at its headquarters in Panaji, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to holistic health, mindfulness, and workplace wellness.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the organization, led by Managing Director & CEO Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, and Mr. Brijesh Manerkar, Director of Municipal Administration. Staff members from various departments came together in a serene and focused environment to collectively embrace the ancient Indian practice of yoga.

🌿 Guided by Expertise, Grounded in Tradition

The session was conducted by Ms. Sheela Kankonkar, the Principal Yoga Teacher from Patanjali Yoga Samiti, known for her deep understanding and decades of teaching experience in yogic practices.

The 60-minute session included:

  • Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) to promote respiratory health and mental clarity
  • Stretching and Foundational Asanas for posture and flexibility
  • Mindfulness Practices and Meditation to support emotional well-being and focus

The session focused on balance—both physical and mental—reaffirming the role of yoga in today’s fast-paced professional and urban lifestyle.

🗣️ Leadership Speaks on Wellness & Smart Cities

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, emphasized the importance of integrating well-being into urban development and workplace culture:

“As an organization leading the transformation of Panaji into a Smart City, we must remember that smartness begins with our people. Yoga provides us with the tools to stay centered, healthy, and resilient as we shape the future of urban India.”

Mr. Brijesh Manerkar echoed these sentiments, highlighting that wellness is not an option, but a necessity for productivity and innovation, especially in roles focused on urban governance and planning.

🏙️ Smart City, Mindful Citizens

The event underlined IPSCDL’s broader commitment to not only build intelligent infrastructure but also promote human-centric urban design—where health, sustainability, and community are integral to the city’s DNA.

The Yoga Day celebration aligns with Panaji’s evolving identity as a city that balances heritage with forward-thinking development, and infrastructure with wellness.

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Goa Tourism Celebrates 11th International Yoga Day at Socorro with Resounding Participation

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Socorro, 21st June 2025 – The Department of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation organized the 11th International Yoga Day in a grand and spirited manner at the Socorro Panchayat Hall, where over 150 participants gathered in a collective embrace of wellness, mindfulness, and community harmony. The celebrations reflected the State’s growing emphasis on integrating yoga and holistic health into its tourism narrative.

The celebrations were graced by the presence of Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, who emphasized the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and positioning Goa as a wellness destination. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Socorro Sarpanch Smt. Soniya Pednekar, Penha de Franca Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, and Zilla Panchayat Member Smt. Kavita Gupesh Naik was also in attendance, along with members of the Socorro Panchayat and officials from the Department of Tourism and GTDC. The inaugural function was compared by Mr. Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Yoga aligns with the core values of Goa’s Regenerative Tourism model—restoring balance, enhancing well-being, and empowering communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only celebrating India’s rich heritage but also encouraging both locals and visitors to embrace holistic living in Goa’s serene natural surroundings.”

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik added,“Yoga Day is a reminder that wellness and tourism can go hand in hand. Goa is uniquely positioned to offer mindful, rejuvenating experiences, and we are actively working to create avenues that support year-round wellness-based tourism rooted in local culture and sustainability.”

The event featured a guided yoga session conducted by Mr. Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a Yoga Instructor and Evaluator certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, and Mrs. Pooja Tulsidas Mangueshkar, a certified yoga teacher, drawing participation from diverse age groups and communities. As part of the program, attendees were encouraged to adopt yoga as a daily practice to enhance physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

As part of its broader vision, Goa has been actively promoting wellness and spiritual tourism. The State is promoting a slower, more conscious form of travel that nurtures both people and the planet. Initiatives such as the celebration of Yoga Day are a reflection of Goa’s aspiration as India’s premier wellness destination.

The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with local panchayats and stakeholders, continues to promote wellness-based experiences across Goa, reflecting the State’s commitment to building a healthier society and fostering mindful, sustainable tourism practices.

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All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa Conducts ‘Harit Yoga’ Activities at Heritage Sites

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Goa | June 2025 — In a harmonious blend of wellness, nature, and heritage, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, conducted a series of ‘Harit Yoga’ activities across several iconic heritage locations in Goa. The initiative is part of a nationwide campaign to promote environmental consciousness, traditional wellness practices, and cultural preservation through the ancient art of Yoga.

Heritage Meets Holistic Health

The Harit Yoga campaign, which integrates Yoga and environmental awareness, was carried out at Goa’s celebrated heritage sites including temples, forts, and historic coastal spots. Participants included Ayurveda students, yoga instructors, local residents, and tourists, all coming together to practice yoga in green, open-air, culturally rich environments.

AIIA officials emphasized the importance of connecting India’s ancient healing systems with its natural and cultural landscapes, encouraging people to view health through a holistic and sustainable lens.

Objectives of the ‘Harit Yoga’ Activities

🌿 Promote Green Living – Inspiring communities to adopt eco-friendly practices through mindful living and nature-based routines.

🧘‍♂️ Encourage Outdoor Yoga – Taking yoga beyond studios into spaces where cultural heritage and natural beauty coexist.

🏛️ Raise Awareness of Heritage Conservation – Highlighting the need to protect India’s historical landmarks while using them as serene venues for public wellness.

♻️ Support Swasthya and Sanskriti (Health and Heritage) – Bridging Ayurveda, Yoga, and India’s diverse cultural traditions in an inclusive public outreach model.

Highlights from the Sessions:

  • Morning yoga practices set against the scenic backdrops of heritage structures
  • Guided sessions led by certified yoga instructors and AIIA faculty
  • Short talks on Ayurvedic lifestyle, seasonal wellness, and environmental stewardship
  • Distribution of herbal saplings and eco-friendly wellness kits
  • Interactive discussions on the role of traditional health systems in modern sustainable living

“Harit Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It’s a spiritual and ecological alignment—connecting the body, mind, and environment,” said a senior faculty member from AIIA Goa.

Broader Impact and Future Plans

The initiative received strong community participation and was praised for innovatively combining cultural education, wellness outreach, and environmental action. The All India Institute of Ayurveda aims to continue such activities across other parts of Goa and extend the model to other states in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH.

As India gears up for International Day of Yoga, campaigns like Harit Yoga not only encourage the practice of yoga but also nurture a deeper respect for India’s natural and historical legacy.