11th International Yoga Day Celebrated at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya

BILASPUR, CG (INDIA): The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University) on 21st June 2025 at 6:30 a.m. under the guidance and patronage of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, and was organized by the Department of Physical Education, Yoga, and Sports Sciences. The theme for Yoga Day 2025 was “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

The program was presided over by acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amit Kumar Saxena, who extended his greetings and best wishes on the occasion of International Yoga Day. He noted that a global movement is underway in support of yoga and urged all teachers, staff, and students present to integrate yoga into their daily lives, rather than limiting it to a mere formal observance. He emphasized the importance of regular practice.

The Registrar, Prof. A. S. Ranadive, the special guest, also extended his greetings and encouraged everyone to make yoga a consistent part of their lifestyle. He stated that yoga is intrinsically linked to our well-being and fosters positive energy and balanced behaviour.

Since its inception in 2015, the celebration of Yoga Day has continued to grow. From 6:40 a.m. to 7:25 a.m., yoga practice was conducted in accordance with the 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol issued by the Ministry. Under the guidance of Dr. Tilak Raj Meena, Assistant Professor in the Department, and demonstration by yoga instructors Pundalik Burande and Avinash Rai, students performed traditional Indian yoga postures at the University’s Yoga and Pranayama Centre. A live telecast of the address and yoga participation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, was also broadcast on LED screens during the event.

The program began with a floral welcome of the guests by Prof. Ratnesh Singh, Head, Department of Physical Education. The event was anchored and concluded with a vote of thanks by Associate Professor, Dr. Mahendra Singh Dhapola. The Deans, Heads of Departments, officials, faculty members, non-teaching staff, research scholars, and students from various schools of the university participated in the celebration.