Amidst COVID-19, when physical move­ments are restricted, the Executive Council of Indian Yoga Association socially connected through Video Conferencing on April 19 and 23, 2020. The meeting was attended by Gu­ruji Dr. H.R Nagendra ji, President and the Executive Council members namely Dr. Nagaratna Didi, Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Ji’s, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati ji, Shri Subodh Tiwari ji, Shri Dr. Jaideep Arya ji, Shri Ravi Tumuluri ji, Shri Saryu Parasad Mishra ji, Shri P.C Kapoor ji, Shri Haresh Trivedi ji, Shri Ram Ku­mar Rathi ji and others.

After discussing the action taken on 19th Executive Council Meeting, the agendas for 20th meeting held on April 19, 2020 were taken up. The meeting saw Smt.Kamlesh Barwal ji, Secretary General highlighting that there was an ardent need of defining yoga and the scope of IYA. Other agendas that were discussed included general membership, amendments of SCCs, project proposals from the SCCs including research projects, representation of IYA on National Board for Promotion of Yoga and Naturopathy & on YCB, certification for online programs and recognition of prior learning of institu­tional certificates.

The Executive Council ap­preciated the Synchronised Global Prayers by Yoga Gurus held on April 14th, 2020 and telecasted Live by Sudarshan News. A small celebration on the birthday of Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Ji’s marked the conclusion of the day.

The meeting resumed on April 23, 2020 and points like appointing nominees for Bureau of Indian Stan­dards (Three Nominees – one industry expert, one who can stand-in, one a young professional) were highlighted. Shri Ravi Tumuluri ji, Joint Secretary updated EC on the Shan­kara Jayanti Celebrations. It was hence decided to make the celebrations a 3-day program so that the teach­ing of Adi Shankaracharya teachings and blessings could reach the masses.