NIT Srinagar celebrates 11th Intl. Day of Yoga with enthusiasm

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Saturday celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with great zeal and enthusiasm, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a vibrant display of health, harmony, and holistic wellness.

The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kanojia; In-charge Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman; Dr. Yashwant Mehta, Dean Planning & Development and Head of Yoga Centre; Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan, ANO NCC Unit; Dr. Jitendra Gujjar, NSS Officer; Dr. Ashok Kumar, In-charge EBSB Cell; and Dr. Manoj Kumar, In-charge Sports Club, along with several faculty members and staff.

Addressing the gathering, Director Prof. Binod Kanojia described yoga as a transformative practice that enhances physical well-being, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. “Yoga is not just an exercise; it is a way of life. Embracing it as a lifelong habit can help us achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” he said, urging everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routines.

The main celebration was held at the Common Hall from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, where over 300 participants—including faculty, staff, students, NCC and NSS cadets, and PhD scholars—performed various yoga asanas with enthusiasm and focus. The session opened with an introduction to the significance of International Yoga Day, emphasizing the benefits of yoga for the body, mind, and atma.

Certified yoga instructors led the participants through an invigorating session of yoga postures, breathing exercises (pranayama), and guided meditation. In his remarks, In-charge Registrar Prof. Atikur Rahman said, “today, as India leads the world in celebrating the 11th edition of this remarkable initiative, NIT Srinagar is proud to be part of the global movement Yoga Sangam.”

“This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, reminds us that wellness is not just a personal pursuit but a shared responsibility. In a post-pandemic world, where the connection between human health, environmental balance, and mental well-being is clearer than ever, yoga offers a time-tested path to restore that harmony,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that the idea of International Yoga Day was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. June 21—being the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year—was chosen as the day of global celebration.

In the lead-up to the main event, a six-day yoga workshop was organized from June 16 to 21, 2025, under the leadership of Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan (ANO, NCC) and Dr. Yashwant Mehta (Head, Yoga Centre). The initiative was held in collaboration with the NSS, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) Cell, and the Sports Club.

The workshop, conducted by yoga trainers Mr. Abhishek and Mrs. Sanju, focused on promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.  The sessions included a wide range of yoga practices, breathing techniques, and mindfulness exercises, and saw active participation from students, research scholars, and staff.

Speaking about the workshop, Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan said, “Our goal was to instill the values of discipline, self-care, and social responsibility among youth through the ancient science of yoga. The overwhelming participation and energy we witnessed over the six days reaffirm our belief that yoga is a powerful tool to foster both individual growth and collective harmony,” he said.

To recognize their dedication and commitment, certificates of participation were awarded to all students who completed the workshop. The gesture was aimed at encouraging continued engagement with health and wellness practices. The International Day of Yoga event and the workshop were sponsored by Navyoga Suryodaya Sewa Samiti, NIT Srinagar, and the NCC Unit, significantly enhancing their outreach and impact.