Bareilly: On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University campus today hosted a collective yoga program based on the theme of unity and resolve. Under this initiative, over 51,000 participants from the university campus and 242 affiliated colleges performed yoga together, adhering to the Common Yoga Protocol, and conducted Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) with the aim of setting a world record.
The event began with a message from Chancellor Anandiben Patel on Yoga Day. Following this, a live telecast of the program led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Visakhapatnam was shown. Subsequently, a mass yoga session, meditation, and peace recitation were conducted as per the common Yoga Protocol directed by the Ayush Ministry, Government of India. The session was led by the university’s yoga instructor, Shri Dharmendra Kumar, and his team.
Under the guidance of Chancellor Anandiben Patel, a 10-minute synchronized Surya Namaskar was performed with the objective of setting a world record. The chief guest of the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.P. Singh, was welcomed by Prof. S.S. Bedi, Sports Secretary, and Prof. P.B. Singh. The welcome address was delivered by the Dean of Student Welfare, who highlighted the importance of yoga and inspired everyone to incorporate it into their lives.
On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.P. Singh stated in his address:
“Yoga is a transformative practice that represents balance, harmony, and discipline between the mind and body. It integrates the mind, body, and soul while providing a holistic approach to health and well-being. Today’s global celebration is a collective effort to foster unity, harmony, and establish global peace and wellness. The participation of over 51,000 individuals in Surya Namaskar is a collective call to set a world record. The theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ aligns with a global health perspective and reflects the Indian ethos of ‘Sarve Santu Niramaya’—may all be free from disease.
This historic 11th International Yoga Day session supports the vision and call of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in reviving this ancient Indian tradition of global wellness. Our university’s contribution through initiatives like 20+ yoga gardens, sandalwood gardens, the international seminar on ‘Yoga for Wellness and Global Peace,’ the 1.5 km Yoga Marathon, and other programs will undoubtedly raise awareness about yoga. The university offers diploma, degree, and Ph.D. programs in yoga, which are in high demand in professional, health, and corporate sectors today.
Yoga embodies the teachings of Lord Buddha—peace, mental well-being, and global welfare. This ancient Indian practice promotes the ideals of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), global harmony, health, and civilization. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our Honorable Prime Minister, yoga has experienced a renaissance. Today, we take pride in contributing to setting a world record in Surya Namaskar under the leadership of Honorable Chancellor Smt. Anandiben Patel.”
On this occasion, a free medical health check-up camp was also organized by Vedanta Hospital and SBI. The vote of thanks was delivered by Registrar Shri Sanjeev Kumar Singh. The program was conducted by Cultural Coordinator Dr. Jyoti Pandey.
The event was attended by Finance Officer Vinod Kumar, Sports Secretary Prof. S.S. Bedi, DSW Prof. P.B. Singh, Cultural Coordinator Dr. Jyoti Pandey, Chief Proctor Prof. Ravindra Singh, Chief Warden Prof. A.K. Singh, Dean Academics Prof. S.K. Pandey, Asit Mishra, L.S. Bhandari, Dr. Vijay Singhal, Prof. Upendra Kumar, Dr. Ajit Kumar, Dharmendra Sharma, Dr. Akhtar Hussain, representatives from various professional institutions, SBI, HDFC, ICICI, UBI, and other banks, trade associations, security forums, Vishwa Jagriti Mission, Vedanta Hospital, DSW board members, sports department members, Tapan Verma, yoga department students, faculty, staff, and over 1,000 students from the campus.
REPORT FROM AKHILESH CHANDRA SAXENA
