Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that incorporates physical, dietary, respiratory, and spiritual practices. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and mind. On December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga' after a proposal from India. The day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the benefits of practicing yoga. The theme for the 11th International Day of Yoga was ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. Yoga is practiced in various forms around the world, with teachers creating unique sets of practices for the benefit of their students.
Events:
In one of the biggest such events in the city, over 2000 Iyenger yoga practitioners who follow techniques pioneered by Yogacharya B K S Iyengar, gathered at the NSCI dome on Saturday evening. The session was organised by Yogashraya, a division of the Light on Yoga Research Trust. Iyenger, who lived in Pune, is considered to be one of the greatest proponents of the ancient practice of yoga.
The Shri Siddhivinayak Temple at Prabhadevi organised a yoga camp for its employees. Temple trustee and treasurer, Acharya Pawan Tripathi, trustee Mahesh Mudaliar, and executive officer Veena Patil joined devotees and temple employees at the event.
Veteran actor Dharmendra, shared pictures of himself taking part in a yoga session at his house in Lonavala. Dharmendra, 89, was joined by actor and model Ekta Jain, for a session of practices that included yoga postures such as Anulom Vilom, Pranayam, and guided breathing exercises. Dharmendra encouraged people across all age groups to incorporate yoga into their daily routine. “Everybody should do yoga for a healthy life,” he said, emphasising its importance for long-term well-being. Jain said, “Dharmendra sir truly proves that age is just a number.
Children from Anand Nagar slum in Jogeshwari West joined their teacher, Yashodhara Rajurkar, who trained at Mahila Patanjali Yog Samiti, in a yoga session. For the past five years, Rajurkar and the Sona Sarovar Trust have been helping the young yoga practitioners to use the technique to improve health, attendance, and academic performance.
Meditators who follow yoga practices taught at Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation undertook a seven-day online practice challenge that ended on International Day of Yoga. Participants were asked to snap a selfie after their meditation practice and share it with other practitioners. They were asked to share their thoughts about the transforming power of meditation and talk about their favourite corner for a yoga practice.
Educational institutions in the city marked the day with yoga sessions for students. At the University of Mumbai, over 200 students from 130 colleges participated in a joint event organised by its National Service Scheme unit and Kaivalyadhama. Vice-chancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, along with other dignitaries, took part in yoga demonstrations including Surya Namaskar, Dhanurasana and Bhramari pranayama. Prof Kulkarni urged colleges to promote yoga through regular awareness drives. IIM Mumbai held its session at Swami Vivekananda Hall, beginning with a live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address, followed by guided yoga practice by Kaivalyadhama instructors. Director Prof Manoj Kumar Tiwari emphasised the institute’s commitment to holistic well-being and environmental balance. At IIT Bombay, the event was held at the indoor badminton court, where several students and faculty members actively participated in yoga sessions.
Around 50,000 navy personnel and their families gathered at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, for a ‘yoga sangam’, hoping to get a mention in the Guinness World Records for the largest single gathering for a Yoga session. The event was attended by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and senior officers of the navy and their families. Trainees of friendly foreign navies also participated in the activities.
June 21 is also acknowledged as World Music Day, recognising the therapeutic benefits of both yoga and music.
