Lucknow: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) celebrated International Yoga Day with a series of activities aimed at promoting physical well-being, environmental awareness, sustainable development, and self-reliance. The programme was conducted under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Pandey, with enthusiastic participation from faculty members, officers, staff, students, and representatives from affiliated institutions.
The celebrations began at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Multipurpose Auditorium on the university campus, where a special yoga session was organized. Guided by yoga instructor Anshu Srivastava and under the direction of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pandey, participants practiced a range of yoga postures and breathing exercises designed to enhance physical and mental health.
The session included asanas such as Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Bhujangasana, and Shavasana, which are known for improving flexibility, balance, and overall fitness. Participants also performed Kapalbhati and Anulom-Vilom Pranayama to promote mental calmness and emotional well-being.
Among those present were Registrar Reena Singh, Finance Officer Keshav Singh, along with university officials, faculty members, staff, students, and members of the public, including Pankaj Tiwari, Divya Shukla, and Ajay Yadav.
Bicycle Rally Spreads Environmental Awareness
Following the yoga session, a bicycle rally was organized from the university campus to the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) campus to spread awareness about environmental conservation. Led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pandey, the rally witnessed active participation from university officers, teachers, and employees, who conveyed the message of reducing pollution and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Discussion Highlights Government Schemes and Local Entrepreneurship
As part of the day’s events, the university also hosted a special discussion programme titled “Modi-Yogi-Vikas Samvad”, bringing together youth, farmers, women, and MSME representatives. The event focused on promoting local handicrafts, the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, and Khadi products while highlighting opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Presiding over the session, Prof. Pandey emphasized the importance of innovation, skill development, and local enterprise in achieving sustainable economic growth. During the discussion, Vimal Singh, Assistant Commissioner of the ODOP Cell, Lucknow, provided detailed information about government schemes, funding opportunities, and support mechanisms available to entrepreneurs and small business units under the ODOP programme.
He noted that the government is extending financial assistance as well as access to marketing platforms and business networks to encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen local industries.
The programme was attended by Dr. Anuj Kumar Sharma, Associate Dean (Innovation), Deputy Registrars Dr. Ayush Srivastava and Neha Srivastava, Assistant Registrar Sunil Pandey, along with Shivam Gupta, Ranjeet Singh, Programmer Shubhi Pandey, and several other university officials and participants.
The celebrations concluded with a collective message emphasizing the importance of yoga, environmental protection, innovation, and self-reliance in building a healthier and more prosperous society.
