Apeejay institutes celebrate International Yoga Day to promote harmony holistic well-being

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, took part in CM Di Yogshala (CMDY), an initiative by the Government of Punjab that provides free yoga education to the state’s citizens. The event was organised to mark the International Day of Yoga 2023. Students gathered in large numbers at the PAP Ground in Jalandhar and performed yoga asanas.

CMDY comprises a team of certified yoga instructors in Punjab to promote the widespread practice of yoga and transform it into a mass movement. The objective is to emphasise the significance of meditation and yoga in enhancing both physical and mental well-being. With its ancient origins, yoga has proven to be an effective method for improving the quality of life. Regular practice fosters mindfulness and harmony with the environment.

Dr Neerja Dhingra, Principal, ACFA, said that 23 students and three faculty members from the college attended the yoga programme, which turned out to be a delightful and remarkable experience for them. She added that ACFA always encourages its students to prioritise health and on International Yoga Day, it took the initiative to incorporate yoga into their daily routines. This promotes mental calmness, physical fitness, and stress-free life.

Also Read: Yoga: An oasis of sanity in a 24/7 maddening world

International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21. It was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 after being proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The date marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year, symbolising the transition from darkness to light. It represents the idea of enlightenment, harmony, and the union of body, mind, and soul that yoga seeks to achieve.

Yoga day at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus

This year, the theme for International Yoga Day was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, embodying the shared objective of “One Earth, One Family, and One Future.” Keeping the theme in mind, students at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC) also assembled to dedicate the day to healthy living, global harmony, and unity through yoga.

AIMETC students from across disciplines performed yoga asanas and experienced their holistic benefits. Dr Rajesh Bagga, director, AIMETC, said, “We take immense pride in our students’ active participation and dedication in embracing the practice of yoga. By incorporating yoga into their daily lives, they are taking a significant stride towards leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle.”

Students try advanced yoga poses at Apeejay School of Architecture & Planning

Meanwhile, Apeejay School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP) in Greater Noida also celebrated the day at their campus. Students from the first and second year, as well as the faculty and other staff, participated in the event facilitated by Ar Vaani Dua, Associate Professor, AIT-SAP.

The enthusiastic participants performed various yoga postures and asanas including Naukasana, Paschimuthanasana, Camel Pose, Gaumukhasana, Veerasana, Trikonasana and Garudasana, among many more. They also did pranayama and meditation. Students and the faculty felt rejuvenated and recognised the value of yoga. Some of them also tried advanced poses like Halasana and Chakrasana.

Talking about the event, Ar Dua remarked, “Yoga is not bending the body but the flexibility of mind. It’s a journey of oneness with the self, nature, and the world.”

International Yoga Day serves as a global platform to highlight the immense benefits of practicing yoga, both for the body and the mind. It helps in improving flexibility, strength, and balance while also reducing stress and promoting mental clarity and relaxation. Regular yoga practice can enhance overall well-being and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.