World Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated it at the UN Headquarters in New York, here is a glance of how our neighbourhood celebrated it.
Yoga Day at Vidya Ratna
The students of Vidya Ratna P.T.S. Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Sastri Nagar, demonstrated various yogic postures and formed the logo of their silver jubilee year, on the International Day of Yoga (June 21). “If bending the body could mend the mind, what more do we need than yoga to protect and produce constructive minds,” said the school.
The beginning of the silver jubilee academic year of Vidya Ratna began with the prefectorial council of the school taking its oath of office, administered by the young and inspiring Senior Vice President (South zone) of Mediterranean Shipping Co. Limited, N. Krishna Kumar, on June 24. This was preceded by the ceremonial parade of the students Council.
The chief guest advised the students to retain the sense of wonderment in learning. He also said that we should always, “Begin with the end in mind. If we take care of the smaller challenges, the bigger challenges will follow in line.” He also quoted our former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam that what we dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.
Sivananda Yoga’s ‘Yoga Day’ at beach
In a sublime tribute to International Yoga Day, Thiruvanmiyur beach became a sanctuary of spiritual awakening from 6 am to 7 am. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre orchestrated a captivating yoga session, embracing seekers of inner peace, in association with the East Coast Beach Walkers Association (ECBWA).
The nearly 50 participants immersed themselves in the profound practice of yoga, guided by experienced instructors. Amidst serene surroundings, the harmonious fusion of asanas, pranayama, and meditation transported hearts and minds to a transcendent realm. The beach’s tranquil beauty further enhanced the spiritual connection, fostering a deep sense of unity and renewal.
Certificates of Appreciation were issued to all participants who had completed the 21 Days Summer Yoga Camp from June 1 to 21 and also to those who had attended the one day International Day Yoga Class on June 21. “Thanks to all office bearers, EC Members and all participants who have made this special event more successful and memorable,” said a statement from ECBWA.
Sivananda Yoga Centre is at 3/655, Kuppam Road, Kaveri Nagar, Kottivakkam. Ph: 98843 13971, 91761 06790; www.sivananda.org/chennai; email: [email protected].
Yoga Day at Chaitanya Techno School
Sri Chaitanya Techno School, Palavakkam, celebrated the day with zeal and high spirits. Blending perfectly with the theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ the school children were made aware of how yoga embodies unity and balance in physical and mental health.
The rejuvenating yoga session started with a prayer. Principal Radhika inaugurated the event. Usha Ajith Pradad, Rotarian Chairman for Youth Icon Award for 2022 (District 3232), solicited the ceremony and motivated the students with her speech about the benefits of yoga for a healthy lifestyle. Sandhya from Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) conducted the yoga session with precision and tranquillity. She illustrated warm up exercises, asanas, pranayama and finally meditation. More than 300 children participated in this event with perfect coordination.
The event encapsulated the view that the regular practice of yoga can surely help every one of us live a better life not only physically and mentally, but spiritually as well.
Yoga Day celebrations at KV IIT Chennai
The 9th International Day of Yoga was observed at Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT campus on June 21. Prior to this, week-long activities, which included a presentation on Yoga, information of basic asanas, debate on benefits of Yoga and nutritional diet, poster making competition etc., were held.
Surya Namaskar with mantras, and Yoga with music were conducted, and students participated with enthusiasm. Deputy Regional Head of UBI Regional Office (Chennai) – Jeyakumar, and Mini Mullath, Assistant Commissioner, KVS (Chennai) graced the occasion as chief guests.
Headmistress Padmavathi welcomed the gathering. The session commenced with an introduction to Yoga Day by T.Kalyani, TGT English, followed by a mass demonstration of different yoga postures, breathing practice and meditation guided by Yoga Instructor Sridevi. All the participants including the staff and the chief guests gave a spirited and energetic performance.
Mini Mullath, in her address, insisted that both the students and teachers should prioritise health and wellbeing; Jeyakumar highlighted that in this technological and fast paced world, yogic practice will help us boost our concentration and stay academically inclined. Dr.M.Manickasamy, Principal – KV IIT honoured the chief guests. R.K.Mishra, Vice Principal, proposed the vote of thanks.
Shankara school celebrated Yoga Day
Students of Sri Sankara Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, observed International Yoga Day on June 21 to bring awareness to all about the importance of yoga in our daily life.
PT Master and Yoga teacher Saravanan demonstrated Yoga on the stage, which was meticulously followed by all the students. People from Sahaja Yoga, regular visitors to school, also taught children how to do yoga and explained the importance of yoga for a healthy life.