The Yoga Institute celebrated the 9th edition of International Yoga Day, on June 21, 2023. The prestigious global event celebrated the unifying essence of Yoga and its profound impact on the well-being of individuals worldwide. The event emphasised humanity’s inherent oneness and fostered a sense of global unity under the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbam.” It demonstrated the transformative power of Yoga in cultivating peace, compassion, and reverence for all beings, transcending boundaries, and promoting a common vision of a peaceful world.
The Yoga Institute curated numerous events across the world as part of the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations. Notably, a special Yoga session was held at the the INS Vishakhapatnam and INS Marmugao, of the Indian Navy. The Commanding Officer of the Western Naval Command, DK Tripathiji and Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director of TYI led the event.
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra said that, “It was a matter of great pride to visit the naval base and see first-hand the valour, zeal and determination with which the Navy protected the country’s frontiers. She said that a naval base was the hallmark of impeccable discipline and discipline is at the root of Yoga as well. Dr. Hansaji further noted that mental discipline is indispensable to both Yoga and the armed forces and this is where a consistent Yoga practice would help members of the Indian armed forces the most. She noted that their rigorous demands of their work require that Mind is completely focussed in every moment. This she said was the very essence of Yoga as observed by Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Sutra 1.1 of the Yoga Sutra holds “Atha Yoga Anusasanam; that is the practice of Yoga begins in the present moment. That is the practice of training your mind begins in the present moment. Yoga would aid the brave soldiers of the country train their minds and their bodies. Evenness of mind and flexibility of the body is what Yoga would bestow on the brave daughters and sons of the country who served relentlessly and selflessly.”
D.K Tripathji, the Commander-in-Chief of the western Naval Command thanked Dr. Hansaji Yogendra for personally visiting the INS Vishakapatnam. He observed that the live Yoga session conducted by The Yoga Institute on International Yoga Day had perceptibly impacted the morale and energy-level of the sea-men. He said that Navy maintained exacting standards of physical fitness; however mental fitness and mind-body balance were areas which needed concerted focus and improvement. He observed that Yoga would help address these needs of the Indian navy. He urged the crew present to integrate the lessons from Dr. Hasnaji Yogendra’s visit and incorporate at least 15-20 minutes of Yoga practice in their daily schedules.”
An exclusive Yoga session was organized for the INS HANSA at the Goa Naval Air Base. The event was graced by Shri Hrishi Yogendra, Assistant Director, TYI, Rear Admiral Vikram Menon and other esteemed officers.
The Institute also organised a special Yoga session at Mantralaya for 100+ ministers led by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde who graced the event with his presence. Yoga sessions were held for senior bureaucrats and support staff of the Mantralaya. The Chief Secretary of the State of Maharashtra, Shri Manoj Saunik also joined the celebrations. Special Yoga sessions were held for more than a thousand National Cadet Corps (NCC) students to help them discover the physical and emotional benefits of Yoga. Special Yoga sessions were also held for 50,000+ students in more than 50 schools and colleges, including Panbai International School, Poddar, SNDT, AVM, Andrews, and others.
Additionally, The Yoga Institute, also conducted corporate Yoga sessions for more than 400 corporate organisations on International Yoga Day. Some of these included Glenmark, IPCA, Indian Bank, Exim Bank, India Earth, among others. Free on-campus and off-site Yoga camps were organised by the Yoga Institute. Some of the camps focussed on: Yoga for weight loss, children’s camp, women’s camp and diet workshop.
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, the world-renowned Yoga guru, Director of The Yoga Institute and President of the Indian Yoga Association, is a global symbol of peace, balanced, Yogic living. In a lifetime dedicated to service, over 1 lakh Yoga teachers were trained under her guidance. She has personally conducted over more than 1.5 lakh theoretical and practical Yoga sessions. The legendary Yoga Guru, Shri Jaidev Yogendra, also known as the “Father of Modern Yoga Renaissance”, founded The Yoga Institute in 1918. On December 25, 2018, the institute celebrated its centennial. Shri Ramnath Kovind, the President of India, and M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice President of India, attended the centennial celebrations.
The Yoga Institute, the world’s oldest organized Yoga centre, has for several years carried out a number of social initiatives, such as Annam Brahma (free meals for the underprivileged), free medical health camps, blood donation drives, holistic health programs for the military and police, BMC and Western Railway staff wellness programs, and others.
