Chandigarh, 21 June: Department of Physical Education at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, in collaboration with NSS units, celebrated International Day of Yoga under the aegis of Fit India Movement. The event aimed to promote the timeless values of yoga and encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle among students and staff.
The programme commenced with a prayer, followed by the screening of the message of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who highlighted yoga’s transformative role in fostering physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience, and global harmony. A yoga demonstration session based on Common Yoga Protocol was subsequently conducted by NSS volunteers and sports students of the college, including state medalists in Yoga, national participants, inter-college medalists, and achievers in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Participants enthusiastically performed a series of yogic postures, including Vrksasana, Padahastasana, Ardha Chakrasana, Trikonasana, Bhadrasana, Sasankasana, Bhujangasana, and Makarasana. The session also featured breathing exercises such as Kapalabhati, Pranayama, and Bhramari Pranayama, followed by Dhyana (Meditation). The programme concluded with the recital of Sankalpa, inspiring participants to embrace yoga as an integral part of their daily lives. The celebration witnessed the active participation of nearly 100 students and staff members, reflecting the institution’s steadfast commitment to fostering holistic health, wellness, and mindfulness.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gurvinder Kaur, Head, Department of Public Administration and Co-convener of the event, emphasised the significance of yoga in contemporary life. She noted that regular yoga practice enhances physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional balance, and inner peace, thereby enabling individuals to lead healthier, more productive, and fulfilling lives.
A special highlight of the event was the participation of Yamini Gupta, an international Taekwondo player and distinguished alumna of the college, along with Arshita, a national Taekwondo medalist, BA III student, and founder of Dragon Academy. Accompanied by 15 students from the academy, they actively participated in the yoga session, adding energy, inspiration, and motivation to the celebrations. As part of the International Day of Yoga observances, the NCC Naval Wing cadets of the college also organised a yoga session at Sukhna Lake. Against the backdrop of the serene natural surroundings, the cadets performed various yogic postures with discipline and grace, reinforcing the message of fitness, self-discipline, and harmony with nature.
Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma underscored the enduring relevance of yoga, describing it as a profound symbol of the unity of mind and body, thought and action, and harmony between human beings and nature. She encouraged students to make yoga a regular part of their daily routine and embrace it as a pathway to a balanced, healthy, and purposeful life.