AC Saxena
Bareilly: As part of the Government of India’s nationwide programmes commemorating 12 years of the Central Government and the observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University organised a month-long series of yoga and wellness activities aimed at promoting healthy living and public awareness about the benefits of yoga.
The university conducted yoga camps across its affiliated colleges for an entire month, while a dedicated Yoga Week was observed on the university campus, providing participants with practical training in yoga and wellness practices.
As part of the celebrations, a padayatra, bicycle rally, and yoga camp were organised on June 20 in Bithri Chainpur village. Local residents enthusiastically participated in the activities, which were designed to raise awareness about yoga and encourage healthier lifestyles in rural communities.
The main International Day of Yoga event was held on June 21 at the university’s Sports Complex, where faculty members, staff, and students gathered in large numbers for a grand yoga session. The programme began with Vedic chanting led by coach Dharmendra Kumar, who subsequently guided participants through various yoga postures and explained their physical and mental health benefits. The hour-long session was widely appreciated for its informative and motivating approach.
Students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga programme, conducted under the guidance of Prof. A.K. Singh, presented an impressive yoga demonstration that received appreciation from the audience.
During his address, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the global recognition that yoga has achieved over the past decade. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in securing international recognition for yoga, leading to the adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations. He described yoga as one of India’s most valuable cultural and spiritual contributions to the world, offering a pathway to a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that yoga should not be viewed as a one-day event but as a lifelong practice. He noted that integrating yoga into daily routines can significantly improve physical and mental health, enhance productivity, and contribute to a better quality of life. Healthy individuals, he said, form the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation.
Emphasising the importance of yoga in education, he suggested that, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), yoga should be introduced as a skill enhancement or open elective course carrying academic credits. He also advocated regular morning yoga sessions for students, describing yoga as an effective tool for developing self-discipline, concentration, positive thinking, and leadership skills.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sandeep Kumar, who expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, and organisers for contributing to the success of the event.
Among those present were Registrar Mahendra Kumar, Prof. Ravindra Srivastava, Prof. Vinay Rishwal, Prof. J.N. Maurya, Dr. Jyoti Pandey, Dr. Ajit Singh, Dr. Vijay Singhal, Dr. Inderpreet Kaur, Dr. Iram Naeem, Media In-charge Vinay Verma, Tapan Verma, and a large number of faculty members, employees, and students.
The celebrations reflected the university’s commitment to promoting yoga as a way of life and encouraging holistic well-being among students and the wider community.
