With great fervor and spirited involvement, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), a renowned university in the nation’s capital, marked the 11th International Yoga Day on June 21 in New Delhi. The overwhelming participation of students, teachers, staff, and their families at the event, which took place at the university’s vast auditorium in the wee hours of the morning, demonstrated the university’s dedication to fostering holistic well-being through ancient Indian traditions. 

Professor Varun Joshi, head of the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell at the institution, oversaw the event’s planning. Around 400 people participated in a group yoga practice that highlighted physical exercise, mental well-being, and communal harmony, transforming the event into a lively community assembly. The main theme of this year’s International Yoga Day, unity through health, was evident throughout the event. 

After beginning the day with the Surya Namaskar at 6 a.m., we proceeded with a number of breathing techniques that fell under the umbrella of Pranayama. The participants then progressed through a carefully chosen series of yoga asanas, such as the Titli Asana (Butterfly Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Shalabhasana (Locust Pose), Simhasana (Lion Pose), Mayurasana (Peacock Pose), and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose). The whole session was designed to encourage participation from people of all ages and fitness levels. 

To teach the attendees how to improve their yoga positions and comprehend their advantages, trainers from Morarji Yoga Sansthan, a university-affiliated institute, were invited to lead the session. They clarified the holistic benefits of each posture in terms of flexibility, strength, and mental serenity, as well as the physical methods involved, and their presence gave the procedures more authenticity and accuracy. The vibe was both peaceful and energetic thanks to the calm background music and the echoing instructions throughout the space. 

To give the event more depth and inspiration, Padma Shri Professor (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, sent a video message to all attendees. “Yoga is an ancient heritage of India, which the world is now embracing,” he said, stressing the profound significance of yoga. Yoga enhances physical well-being while also promoting mental harmony and balance. Many physical ailments, such diabetes, high blood pressure, and stress, can be avoided with a consistent yoga regimen. Since it forms the basis of a healthy and joyful existence, everyone should include yoga in their everyday routine. 

The university’s larger goal of incorporating wellness into everyday activities and academic life was mirrored in Professor Verma’s remarks. His focus on yoga as a preventative approach to healthcare was consistent with the increasing worldwide acceptance of yoga as a science of well-being rather than just a mode of physical activity. 

The celebration was a profoundly intimate and shared experience for many, not just a collection of formal speeches and rituals. The pupils were especially receptive. Priyanka Yadav, a student in the B.Tech program, expressed her experience by saying, “After doing yoga, I feel a different kind of peace and energy in my mind. We want such events to happen more often.” The event was refreshing and motivational, as evidenced by the sentiments she expressed, which were shared by many others. 

Families’ participation also gave the event a unique aspect. “This was the first time I did yoga with my kids,” said Nandalal, a university worker who brought his children to the session. The experience was unforgettable. His tale emphasized how yoga is not only a personal experience but also a way to foster relationships between family members and the community. 

GGSIPU has consistently worked to promote yoga as a component of its academic and extracurricular environment throughout the years. Regular yoga sessions, wellness camps, and awareness workshops are held on campus, demonstrating the institution’s conviction that education should address the mind, body, and soul. This year’s festival reaffirmed that dedication, and its success has given the institution more motivation to expand similar programs in the future. 

At the end of the session, the room was filled with a shared feeling of serenity and purpose. Smiles, peaceful expressions, and shared tales lingered, demonstrating the potential of yoga to elevate and unite when performed as a group. The 11th International Yoga Day celebration at GGSIPU was a reminder that in the quest for perfection, one must not lose sight of inner harmony and health. It was also a reflection of the increasing relevance of India’s ancient knowledge in contemporary life.