IGNOU Celebrates 5th International Yoga Day

Indira Gandhi National Open University celebrated 5th International Yoga Day at its campus. The event was telecast live through Gyan Darshan, IGNOU TV Channel. The proceedings of the programme were presided over by Prof S.B. Arora, Director School of Health Sciences, IGNOU. Yogacharya Dr. Mahesh K Mainali of Patanjali Yogpeeth was the chief guest and gave lecture on “Importance of Yoga and Meditation in Daily Life”.

Prof S.B. Arora, Director School of Health Sciences, IGNOU welcoming the dignitaries at the dais gave the background on the International Day and said that an international day for yoga was declared unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 11th December’2014. The first International Day of Yoga was observed around the world on 21 June 2015 by Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice, explaining the meaning of Yoga as defined by the UN, Prof. Arora informed.

Prof. Nageshwar Rao VC IGNOU wished everyone on the International Yoga Day in his address and stressed upon the benefits of Yoga for everyone. He said, “Today’s lifestyle warrants that each of us to practice yoga to remain physically and mentally happy.” Sharing an experience from his own life, Prof. Rao said that through right practising of simple Yogic Kriyas, he was able to attain body and mind well being when he faced a health problem at an early age in his life. He also complimented School of Health Sciences IGNOU for launching the certificate programme of Yoga from this session. He urged everyone to devote at-least 15-20 minutes daily to simple Yoga exercises to remain healthy.

Yogacharya Dr. Mahesh K Mainali in his address explained the intricacies involved in Yoga and what its true meaning is. Referring to Vedas and teachings of Rishis (Sages), he said that Yoga transcends mind and body boundaries & can help a true practitioner attain the ultimate knowledge which is beyond the realms of physicality and our senses. He further elucidated that Yoga is all about doing your work with utmost sincerity and benefit of larger community, that is being skilful and efficient is also a way of practicing Yoga. He also highlighted the fact that Yoga is nothing but good deeds that is good karmas. He who practices good karma is a Karm Yogi, he said.

Yogacharya Dr. Mahesh K Mainali also demonstrated asanas and was joined by Prof. Nageshwar Rao, VC IGNOU to showcase and drive home the point that Yoga not only helps you keep your body healthy but your mind as well. He reiterated the fact that maintaining work-life balance can be achieved through practising Yoga as a habit. He demonstrated exercises which can be done by anyone to attain body-mind tranquility.

Prof Ramchandra Kanahere, PVC IGNOU in his speech said that the celebrating Yoga Day has helped awareness about the tradition and its usefulness for living healthy life and that this would lead to change in people’s lifestyle. But he also cautioned that we should learn the exercises from an expert and should attempt complex “asanas” after a lot of practice and proper guidance under some Guru.

IGNOU Regional Centers across India also organized yoga demonstrations and other related activities at their respective Centers.