Lucknow : The two-day International Yoga Festival 2025, organised by Central Sanskrit University, Lucknow Campus, concluded with grandeur on June 21, 2025, marking the 11th International Yoga Day. Themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the festival witnessed a rich confluence of culture, tradition, and holistic health, bringing together participants from across India.
The closing ceremony began at 6:30 AM with Vedic chants, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and a mass yoga session adhering to the official health-oriented yoga protocol. This was followed by vibrant cultural performances and an enthusiastic award distribution ceremony.
This year’s central theme, “Yoga and Women Empowerment”, highlighted how Sanskrit, Yoga, and ancient Indian knowledge systems serve as transformative tools in empowering women. The festival reflected a “Mini India” with participation from students of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds from different states of the country.
The event was graced by distinguished guests:
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Prof. R.G. Muralikrishna, Registrar, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi (Chief Guest)
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Prof. Madan Mohan Jha, Academic Dean (Guest of Honour)
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Prof. Madhukeshwar Bhatt, Director, Central Schemes
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Prof. P.V.B. Subrahmanyam, Dean, Yoga and Integrated Health Systems
The function was presided over by Campus Director Prof. Sarvanarayan Jha, with program coordination by Prof. Devi Prasad Dwivedi. The ceremony was skillfully hosted by Shyama Tiwari and Tushar Kumar Mishra. Prof. Bharat Bhushan Tripathi delivered the welcome address and Prof. Pawan Kumar presented the vote of thanks.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi addressed the audience virtually and praised the event’s success, emphasizing the integration of yoga and Sanskrit as the soul of Indian heritage. He also called for stronger collaboration among university campuses and affiliated colleges.
As part of the festival, a live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address was streamed, followed by collective yoga practice as per government protocol. Over 500 students from 13 university campuses, 18 model colleges, and 33 schools from Lucknow participated in the event, along with representatives from 25 universities and institutions. Officials and staff from the Ministry of Jal Shakti also participated.
The winners of various competitions were honored during the concluding ceremony, receiving cash prizes and certificates in the following events:
Individual Yogasana (Girls)
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1st: Aryanshi Swami (Shreemad Dayanand Kanya Gurukul, Amroha) & Ishita Sonkar (Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Lucknow)
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2nd: Hamshika Riyag (Navayug Girls Inter College, Lucknow) & Riya Thakur (Central Sanskrit University, Raghunathkirti Campus)
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3rd: Sumana Mandal (Kaliyachak Vikram Kishore Adarsh Sanskrit College) & Pragya Mishra (PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gomti Nagar)
Individual Yogasana (Boys)
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1st: Pramod Kumar (Govt. Jubilee Inter College, Lucknow) & Pratap Singh (Haryana Sanskrit Vidyapeeth)
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2nd: Vyom Saxena (Seth M.R. Jaipuria School) & Chandramohan Joshi (Raghunathkirti Campus)
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3rd: Sahil (Ved Vyas Campus) & Shrey (City Montessori School)
Poster Competition
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1st: Savita Murmu (Sadashiv Campus)
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2nd: Aarti Sharma (Guruvayur Campus)
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3rd: Aishwarya B.S. (Rajiv Gandhi Campus)
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4th: Vikash Mehar (Bhopal Campus)
Sanskrit Motto Writing
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1st: Shivprasad Sahu (Nashik Campus) & Krishnajyoti M.R. (Guruvayur Campus)
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2nd: Deeptimayi Panda (Sadashiv Campus)
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3rd: Jitendra (Bhopal Campus)
Musical Group Yoga
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1st: Lucknow Campus
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2nd: Raghunathkirti Campus, Devprayag
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3rd: Sadashiv Campus, Puri
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4th: Jaipur Campus
Around 50 mentors and yoga instructors were also felicitated for their contributions.
In his address, Prof. R.G. Muralikrishna highlighted the global relevance of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Prof. Madhukeshwar Bhatt, Prof. Madan Mohan Jha, and Prof. P.V.B. Subrahmanyam emphasized how yoga and Sanskrit promote national unity and preserve cultural heritage.
Director Prof. Sarvanarayan Jha expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, faculty, sponsors, and organizing staff. He lauded the efforts of the university in creating an unforgettable celebration that would strengthen the reach of Indian culture through Sanskrit and yoga.
The International Yoga Festival 2025 concluded on a high note, leaving behind a message of health, discipline, and empowerment through India’s timeless wisdom.
