Lucknow : In celebration of International Yoga Day, Bhatkhande Sanskriti University, Lucknow commenced a two-day international webinar titled “Yoga: The Confluence of Knowledge and Experience”, virtually inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, renowned classical dancer and scholar of Bharatanatyam and Odissi.
The event, held under the directives of the Hon’ble Governor and Chancellor of Uttar Pradesh, will span four sessions across June 17 and 18, featuring esteemed yoga practitioners, scholars, artists, and spiritual leaders from India and abroad.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Sonal Mansingh emphasized the profound connection between classical dance and yoga, stating, “In the Gita, Lord Krishna says, ‘Yoga is excellence in action.’ True yoga is found not only in physical postures but in mindful living, devotion, and selfless service.” She also paid tribute to the victims of the recent Ahmedabad ship accident during her remarks.
Highlighting her life’s experiences, she referred to Shiva as Nataraja, symbolizing the eternal dancer and yogi, and likened the integration of yoga into one’s life to the deepening color of mehndi — the more one embraces it, the more enriching it becomes.
The session was moderated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh, who welcomed Dr. Mansingh and thanked her for sharing her wisdom. Dr. Ruchi Khare, Assistant Professor, introduced the keynote speaker.
During the first session, Dr. Kamta Prasad Sahu, Head of Human Consciousness and Yoga Sciences at Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar, spoke on the complexities of modern lifestyle and how yoga can regulate digestion and promote internal harmony.
In the second session, Padma Shri Ranjana Gauhar, celebrated Odissi dancer, explained the symbolism of Lord Shiva as the embodiment of yoga and highlighted the interrelation of yoga and dance.
Padma Shri Dr. Rajeshwar Acharya, former HoD of Fine Arts and Music, Gorakhpur University, elaborated on the spiritual evolution from Ahat (external sound) to Anahat (internal sound) in music and yoga.
Dr. Prem Dave, retired professor from Rajasthan University, Jaipur, discussed breath control in vocal and dance performance, advocating for meditative contemplation before rendering a raga.
Dr. Keval Nayak, HoD, School of Indological Studies, Indira Gandhi Institute, Mauritius, presented visuals of yoga events being conducted in Mauritius and expressed interest in future collaborations with Bhatkhande University.
Closing the day’s sessions, Prof. Mandavi Singh acknowledged all dignitaries and noted that this international webinar would pave the way for integrating music, dance, and yoga into a new interdisciplinary academic dimension.
Dr. Srishti Dhawan, Registrar of Bhatkhande Sanskriti University, added that the webinar aims to involve students, faculty, and staff in a collective spiritual and educational journey, allowing them to absorb the positive and transformative essence of yoga.
The webinar continues on June 18, with more sessions blending the essence of Indian culture, spirituality, and artistic expression through the lens of yoga.
