Embracing Health and Wellness: Celebrating International Yoga Day 2023

Date : June 21 2023
Time: 06:30 am
Venue: Main Lawn

International Day of Yoga was proposed by India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the United Nations. On December 11 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. It has been celebrated globally since 2015, honouring the ancient practice of yoga that brings about a radical transformation in humans at both the individual and collective levels as yoga is ‘the journey of the self, to the self, through the self’. This year, NIIT University joined hands with the world to celebrate the 9th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2023. The theme of the 9th International Day of Yoga is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World is One Family. This special occasion brought together over 140 participants, including students, faculty, staff, members of the local civil administration, and the local community from Neemrana, to embrace health and wellness through the power of yoga.

Benefits of Yoga

As the inspirational quote suggests, yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By incorporating yoga into our lives, we can experience a multitude of benefits. Regular practice improves flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing stress and anxiety. The mental clarity gained through yoga fosters inner peace and contentment. Moreover, yoga has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced immune function, and increased mindfulness—a comprehensive approach to overall wellness.

Celebration of International Yoga Day at NIIT University

Yoga Session and Demonstrations

Leading the participants on this transformative journey were esteemed practitioners, Dr. Purushottam from the Government Ayurveda Hospital in Neemrana and Yoga Guru Vidya Ratna Shastri from Patanjali Yog Samiti in Behror. With their expertise, participants were guided through various yoga asanas, each accompanied by an explanation of the correct techniques and the specific health benefits associated with it. Ms. Arti, an expert yoga trainer, provided simultaneous demonstrations, ensuring precise alignment and practice.

Emphasizing the Importance of Yoga

Yogacharya Vidya Ratna Shastri expressed an immense pride in India’s gift of yoga to the world. He highlighted the need for everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, as it offers a powerful antidote to the stresses and pollution of modern life. Shri Umed Bhaya, a respected community associate of the university, spoke about the inherent connection between yoga and our daily lives and social practices—a reminder of the profound impact yoga can have beyond the mat.

Collective Tree Plantation

Shortly after the energizing yoga session, participants gathered for a collective tree plantation ceremony—a cherished tradition at NIIT University in keeping with its commitment to Sustainability. United in purpose, they planted a Pipal Tree, lovingly named ‘YOGA 2023,’ symbolizing the deep connection between nature and the practice of yoga. This initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and the enduring power of growth and transformation.

Quiz about International Day of Yoga

An informative quiz was conducted online. The quiz was to provide knowledge about the International Day of Yoga, its past observances, and themes initiated every year. The objective of the day is to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga worldwide. According to one of yoga’s most famous practitioners, the late B.K.S Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.” The quiz received several responses from the NU faculty, students and staff who participated in it enthusiastically.

Summing Up

International Day of Yoga celebration at NIIT University exemplified the institution’s profound commitment to promoting a healthy way of life by engaging participants in the transformative practice of yoga. Through the practice of yoga, participants had the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, experience personal transformation, and become more connected to themselves and the world around them. The collective tree plantation served as a reminder of the harmony we must foster within ourselves and with nature. As the self-discovery journey continues, International Yoga Day serves as a spark, encouraging us to embrace health, wellbeing, and self-discovery via yoga practice. To read more, visit:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/yoga-day and
https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/international-yoga-day/