Building Healthier Minds and Communities Through Yoga

In line with the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, the School of Education at Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, under the guidance of the Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana and in collaboration with Haryana Yog Aayog, successfully organised a two-day programme comprising Yoga Protocol Training and a Thought Conference (Vichar Goshti) on the theme “Role of Yoga Education in National Education Policy (NEP 2020)” at the University campus.

More than 100 participants, including faculty members, staff, students, research scholars, and students from nearby schools, participated enthusiastically in the event.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Head School of Education, Apeejay Stya University highlighTed the historical significance of the International Day of Yoga, recalling that it was first celebrated globally in 2015 following the initiative and efforts of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the subsequent adoption by the United Nations.

He emphasised the growing global acceptance of Yoga as a holistic way of life and encouraged participants to integrate yogic practices into daily routines for physical, mental,and emotional well-being.

Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Registrar, Apeejay Stya University, formally welcomed the distinguished resource person and guest speaker Dr. Bhudev, Nodal Officer and Yoga Expert from the AYUSH Department, Government of Haryana, by presenting him with a green planter as a symbol of sustainability and gratitude. In his address, Dr. Pardeep Kumar thanked Dr. Bhudev for his valuable contribution and expressed sincere appreciation to the Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana for sponsoring and supporting the programme.

Delivering the keynote address on the first day, Dr. Bhudev spoke extensively on the Role of Yoga Education in National Education Policy (NEP 2020). He explained how yoga cancontribute significantly to holistic and multidisciplinary education by promoting self-awareness, discipline, emotional regulation, and wellness among learners. He also conducted an engaging Common Yoga Protocol Training Session, guiding participants through practical yoga exercises, asanas, pranayama, and mindfulness techniques.

During his session, Dr. Bhudev highlighted the official theme of IDY 2026 – “Yoga forHealthy Ageing”, emphasizing the importance of adopting yogic practices across all agegroups to promote longevity, healthy lifestyles, and disease prevention. Participants activelyinteracted with him and raised several questions related to stress management, lifestyledisorders, fitness, and balancing modern routines with traditional wellness practices.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Anupama Diwan, Dean, School of Pharmacy, highlightedthe preventive and promotive role of yoga in ensuring holistic health. She observed that withincreasing sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time, changing food habits, and stressfulroutines among youth, yoga has emerged as an important intervention for maintainingphysical and mental well-being.

The second day featured an academic conference focusing on yoga and education. Prof. Ananda Padhan, Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, delivered the keynote address on “Role of Yoga Education in NEP 2020”, stressing the integration of value-based and wellness-oriented education into mainstream academic practices.

Further enriching the programme, Ms. Jyoti, Yoga Instructor, AYUSH Gurugram, conducted an interactive session and demonstrated practical yogic techniques. Research scholars and faculty members presented scholarly papers on themes related to yoga, holistic education, mental health, and student well-being. Among them, Ms. Nidhi Ojha shared valuable insights through her presentation.

One of the highlights of the programme was the special presentation by students of Yoga Teacher Ms. Nidhi Beri, who is also a Research Scholar. The students showcased yogic exercises integrated with the Kathak dance form, demonstrating the harmony between traditional Indian performing arts and yogic practices. They reflected on how yoga has positively influenced their lives by helping them manage stress and develop discipline and confidence. The students also acknowledged the guidance and inspiration provided by the irteacher.

The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Adnan Irshad, who expressed gratitude to Dr. Bhudev, the keynote resource person and guest of the programme. He also thanked Hon’ble Chancellor Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Neha Berlia, Vice Chancellor Dr. Vijay Vir Singh, Dr. Vyas M.S. Director CIRAL and Dean School of Biosciences, Registrar Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Dean Academics Prof. Vimala Veera Raghwan, Prof. Anupama Diwan, Prof. Ananda Padhan, all university authorities and organising team members for their support in making the event a grand success.

He also thanked all the participants including the senior teachers Prof. Hemant Soni, Prof. Sudhakar Ranjan, Dr Teena, Dr Minaxi and Non Teaching Staff including Deputy Registrar Mr Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Deputy Manager Mr Nitin Bhardwaj, Sports Officer Dr Mahesh Sharma amongst others.

The event concluded with a collective resolve to continue promoting yoga as a way of life and to strengthen its integration into education for building healthier, happier, and more mindful communities.