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

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.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Chirag Naik Encourages Students to Make Yoga a Daily Habit


MARGAO: International Yoga Day was celebrated at Damodar Vidya Bhuvan, Comba, Margao, on Saturday, with an engaging yoga session for students of Std VI and VII from Popular High School, Margao under the guidance of yoga instructor Shri Gaurav Vyas.

Businessman, social worker and Executive Committee Member of M & N English High School, Chirag Datta Naik, attended as Chief Guest and urged students to incorporate yoga into their daily routine for better physical and mental fitness.

Speaking on the occasion, Congress Leader from Margao Chirag Naik said, “Yoga and Chess both originated in India, and we should be proud of this heritage. Everyone must practice yoga daily. Those who haven’t started should begin today, and those who have must continue without fail.”

He further motivated the students to share their learning: “Learn yoga today and teach it to your siblings, parents, friends and neighbours. Practice daily, even for a few minutes — it will instill discipline, determination and hard work, which are essential for success in life.”

The event, organised by Shree Damodar Vidya Prasarak Mandal, received an enthusiastic response from students, teachers and parents alike, reinforcing the importance of fitness and wellness in young lives.

EduConnect

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 with Unity and Enthusiasm


Morpirla, Goa | June 21, 2025 – The campus of PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla echoed with positivity and purpose as students, teachers, and parents came together to celebrate International Yoga Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and heartfelt participation.

The celebration commenced with a soulful prayer, setting a serene tone for the day. Attendees then gathered to watch the special address delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose message emphasized the importance of yoga in today’s fast-paced world and its role in personal and planetary well-being.

Taking the stage, Headmistress Maria Murena Miranda offered a compelling speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She shed light on this year’s official theme, “Yoga for One Health, One Earth”, emphasizing how yoga acts as a bridge between individual well-being and environmental harmony.

“Yoga is not merely an exercise. It is a way of life that aligns the body, mind, and nature,” she said. “By fostering physical and mental wellness, yoga also contributes to a unified global movement towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.”

Headmistress Miranda encouraged all present—especially the youth—to embrace yoga not just as a daily practice, but as a philosophy of conscious living. She urged everyone to take responsibility for both their inner peace and the health of the planet, emphasizing that strengthening the mind-body connection is key to building a more resilient and compassionate society.

The event also included a group yoga session where students and teachers practiced asanas and breathing exercises together, guided by trained instructors. Parents joined in, creating a powerful moment of intergenerational unity and shared learning.

As the day concluded, the sense of calm, joy, and collective purpose was palpable—a reminder that even small communities can be part of a global movement for wellness and sustainability.

Human Interest

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


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