International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21st June every year, with the aim to spread awareness about the benefits of practicing Yoga and the need for incorporating it in our life. On this occasion, a Yoga Session was organized by Amity University, wherein the yoga instructors of Amity Institute of Indian System of Medicine (AIISM), taught various “Aasanas” including “Bhujangasan”, “Vakrasan”, “Padmasan”, “Kapalabhati”, “Pranayam” and deep breathing exercises which refreshed the bodies and minds of the participants. Many international participants from Australia, including Dr Jessica Siva, Lecturer Construction Management, Dr Josephine Vaughan, Lecturer Construction Management, along with 12 architecture and construction management students from Australian Universities, also participated in the Yoga Session and learnt the different techniques and exercises taught by the yoga instructors.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, averred, “Amity University has always believed in the holistic development of its students and Yoga is being practiced for many years, even before 21st June was made the official International Yoga Day by our Hon’ble Prime Minister. It is only through a healthy body and a healthy mind that an individual can contribute to nation building. Yoga brings us close to nature and is an inward journey which originates from our inner self, establishing the perfect harmony between the mind, body and soul.” She also urged everyone to practice yoga every day and make it an essential part of their daily routine.
Highlighting the significance of Yoga, Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President ASTIF, stated, “Yoga has innumerable benefits including “kriya” which means cleansing of the system, eradicating “dichotomy” by bringing harmony between the mind, body and the soul, eliminating lethargy and stiffness due to lack of exercise and relieving stress by conserving the body’s energy. Apart from making us physically fit and healthy, yoga also promotes self-healing, removes negativity and toxins from the body and mind, enhances self-awareness, increases concentration and increases mental and physical efficiency. Therefore, the three “Ps”, i.e.., practicing, propagating, and promoting yoga must be borne in mind, which can help us to lead a healthy lifestyle which is completely free of stress and diseases.”
Motivating the gathering to practice yoga every day, Dr. S.K. Srivastava, Mentor, AIISM, said, “Yoga is an ancient science which has been practiced by the Indian “Rishis” and “Munis” for centuries. It is a holistic way of living, not just an exercise, which makes our body extremely flexible and keeps us physically fit and mentally strong. Therefore, we must imbibe it in our daily life and practice it every day without fail.”
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Sanjay Singh, Associate Professor, AIISM and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Charu Mehandiratta, Assistant Professor, AIISM. A book, “Satyarth Prakash” was also presented to the HOIs on this occasion.
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