NIEPMD celebrates Yoga Day

NIEPMD celebrated Yoga Day (June 21) with week-long programmes starting June 15. Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director, NIEPMD inaugurated the event in the presence of Dr. A. Amarnath, Deputy Registrar (offg.), NIEPMD and Shri. P. Kamaraj, HoD, Department of Special Education, NIEPMD.

The event began with an awareness program on Adapted Yoga for children with special needs from different special schools in and around Chennai, conducted at Paradise Home for Mentally Challenged (Muttukadu), Little Hearts Residential School for Mental illness (Panaiyur), MGR School for the Deaf (Ramapuram), The Spastics Society of Tamilnadu (Taramani) and Vidyasagar Special School (Kotturpuram). An awareness webinar was conducted on ‘Yoga and its health benefits’ for children with special needs; S.Jothi Arumugam, Yoga instructor was the resource person. 

A demonstration of common yoga protocol was organised on June 21, by Dr. Jyoti Maggu, PhD scholar from Vyasa University, Bangalore. An inclusive yoga awareness program was conducted for children including children with special needs around the NIEPMD campus and from outside schools to teach the basic yoga poses along with breathing techniques for their general well-being.

Therapeutic yoga at YogaVahini

It was dual celebrations at Yoga Vahini as they celebrated June 21 as Yoga Day as well as the birth anniversary of T.K.V.Desikachar, the teacher of Yoga Therapy in the Krishnamacharya tradition. 

To mark this special day, YogaVahini organised a Yoga Therapy workshop themed ‘Yoga Therapy for Common Ailments’ at its Besant Nagar centre. The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including householders, retired individuals, and working professionals, all seeking therapeutic interventions for common health issues for themselves and their loved ones.

Saraswathi Vasudevan, the founder of YogaVahini, engaged with participants to highlight the critical need for restoring holistic well-being and the vital role of yoga and yoga therapy in this journey. She offered insights and healing opportunities for chronic insomnia, frozen shoulder, depression, anxiety, and more. One of her students, significantly healed from Parkinson’s through yoga therapy, also attended the workshop. The institute can be contacted at 98846 42456.

Yoga Day celebrations at Patrician College

Patrician College of Arts and Science, Adyar, celebrated International Yoga Day on 21 June with officers of Nehru Yuva Kendra – Nammala Krishna – District Youth Officer (Chennai), Senthil Kumar – State Director (i/c) (Tamilnadu and Puducherry) and Janarthan – National Youth Corps. Dr Fatima Vasanth – Academic Director and Dr Ananda Priya – Vice Principal of Patrician College also participated. 

The chief guests enlightened the audience about the importance of yoga for physical and mental health and the history of International Yoga Day. This was followed by the yoga session for the students trained by Arul Murugan, the Physical Director of the college. The students found the session useful and wished to incorporate this into their daily routine.

Yoga on the beach!

East Coast Beach Walkers Association (ECBWA) and Vethathri Maharishi Yoga Centre, Thiruvanmiyur (MVKM Trust) jointly organised the International Day of Yoga on June 21 at Thiruvanmiyur Beach. 

About 100 members including ladies, children and senior citizens, participated. The general public also joined in. The mass yoga started with a prayer and was followed by various yoga asanas. Prof.R.Thanasekaran, Secretary of East Coast Beach Walkers Association spoke on the occasion and explained the need for yoga practices, and renewed lifestyles in the modern world. The institute is conducting free yoga classes at the beach daily (except Sundays), at 5.30 am. He requested all to participate and benefit. 

The yoga teachers were honoured during the function and all participants who registered for Yoga Day were given T-shirt. Light refreshment was served to all participants at the end of the session. 

Sri Sankara Vidyashramam celebrates Yoga Day with Mandala Yoga theme

On June 21, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Thiruvanmiyur, marked International Yoga Day with an event themed around Mandala Yoga. Students from grades 1 to 12 participated enthusiastically.

The day began with a group yoga session emphasising unity and harmony. The Mandala Yoga theme aimed to help students connect with their inner selves through intricate mandala patterns, symbolising wholeness and unity. Each class created its own mandala designs, displayed around the yoga practice area, adding a vibrant and artistic touch.

Principal Mrs. Sashirekha highlighted yoga’s importance in promoting physical health and mental well-being. Various workshops throughout the day taught students different yoga postures and breathing techniques. Overall, the celebration was a resounding success, fostering peace and mindfulness among the young participants.

Celebrating Yoga Day at Kidzee Thiruvanmiyur

Kidzee Thiruvanmiyur, Valmiki Nagar campus witnessed a vibrant celebration of the International Day of Yoga on June 21. Embracing India’s ancient tradition, the event commenced with fundamental breathing techniques, setting a serene tone for what unfolded next.

Under the guidance of enthusiastic instructors from Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, children and parents immersed themselves in the essence of yoga, showcasing a spirited performance that highlighted its transformative power. From the Surya Namaskar to the Dhanurasana and dynamic postures like Salabhasana, Bhujangasana, frog posture, and cobra posture, parents and children experienced a holistic workout that nourished both body and mind.

The importance of regular yoga practice for maintaining fitness was emphasised throughout the event. Parents and teachers alike encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, promoting a healthier lifestyle. The school can be reached at 98842 00080.

“With International Yoga Day around the corner, it is a good time to ask ourselves: What is my sense of well-being? Am I sleeping well? Is my digestion good? Am I happy and peaceful within? How effectively am I able to manage stress? Do I want to take better charge of my own health? Every day we hear inspiring stories of recovery and hope from our students (care-seekers) who have chosen the path of yoga therapy to address their health issues which range from minor aches and pains to major illnesses,” explained a spokesperson from the institute.

With a commitment of 20-30 minutes of yoga every day and compassionate care of a yoga therapist, one can learn to use asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation, visualisation with appropriate diet and lifestyle modifications to move towards freedom from pain, achieve a calm and clear mind, and greater empowerment, said the institute.To learn more about personalised yoga therapy, join them for a free workshop on June 21 from 10 am to 12.30 pm. At YogaVahini Foundation, Ramaniyam Smriti Apartments, 1st Floor, 21/3, Beach Road, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar. To register, message 98846 42456 or email. yogavahinichennai@gmail.com. For more information check out: www.yogavahini.com.

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: chennai@sivananda.org.

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.

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