International Yoga Day 2024: ASU champions holistic well-being through a two-day symposium

Apeejay Stya University (ASU) recently hosted a comprehensive two-day Yoga Protocol Training and Symposium under the auspices of the National Service Scheme, in collaboration with the Haryana Yoga Aayog. The symposium aimed to promote the practice and understanding of yoga among faculty, staff, and students, emphasising its profound benefits for mental and physical well-being.

The event featured distinguished guests and speakers, including Major General (Dr) Ranjit Singh (Retd.), AVSM, VSM, former Vice-chancellor of the Central University of Haryana and Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind, who served as the chief guest.

Dr Bhudev, Nodal Officer, Department of AYUSH, Haryana Yoga Aayog, Gurugram, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Their presence underscored the significance of integrating yoga into educational and community settings.

The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome extended to General Ranjit Singh by Professor Vyas, followed by Dr Chetan Chaudhary, Registrar of ASU who welcomed Dr Bhudev. General (Dr) Ranjit Singh set the tone for the symposium with an insightful address, stressing the relevance of yoga in combating the stress and challenges of modern life. He emphasised that yoga, deeply rooted in Indian culture, transcends religious boundaries and offers holistic benefits for all.

The General’s keynote address centred on the theme Karoge Yoga to Rahoge Nirog, highlighting yoga as a transformative tool for today’s youth. He underscored that yoga serves as a singular remedy to contemporary societal issues such as stress, addiction, and emotional imbalance. Praising ASU’s initiative, General (Dr) Singh commended the institute for its proactive role in promoting yoga education and community wellness.

Dr Anand Padhan, Head, School of Education, ASU announced the launch of a new three-credit yoga course aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. This initiative aims to institutionalise yoga education within the university curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of its principles and practises among students. He also highlighted previous endeavours such as the national seminar on yoga research held in March 2024, which featured prominent scholars and researchers from across the country.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the symposium, Professor Vyas emphasised the pivotal role of yoga in promoting overall well-being. He stressed that regular practice of yoga equips individuals to effectively navigate life’s challenges, thereby enhancing resilience and mental clarity. Dr Chaudhary echoed this sentiment, expressing his commitment to integrating yoga sessions into the university’s academic calendar to cultivate a culture of health and mindfulness among students.

The second day of the symposium featured practical demonstrations and interactive sessions led by Dr Bhudev. Faculty and staff participated enthusiastically as Dr Bhudev showcased various yoga asanas, elucidating their therapeutic benefits and correct practises. He fielded questions from attendees, providing expert insights into integrating yoga into daily routines for optimal health outcomes.

The entire event was meticulously organised by ASU under the guidance of Dr Vijay Kumar, who served as the Programme Coordinator. The seamless execution of the two-day programme underscored the university’s commitment to promoting holistic education and community well-being through structured yoga initiatives.

The symposium concluded with a heartfelt appreciation extended to General (Dr) Singh and Dr Bhudev for their invaluable contributions. Dr Anand Pradhan presented tokens of appreciation to General (Dr) Ranjit Singh, while Dr Amit Goyal honoured Dr Bhudev, acknowledging their pivotal roles in making the event a resounding success.

Overall, the two-day Yoga Protocol Training and Symposium at ASU emerged as a pivotal platform for fostering awareness and understanding of yoga’s profound benefits. By integrating yoga into its academic and community engagement initiatives, the university continues to uphold its commitment to holistic education and societal well-being.

As the significance of yoga gains momentum globally, initiatives like these serve as beacons of inspiration, promoting a healthier and more harmonious world.