Practice of the Month
Yoga Tourism in Africa: A rising wave of wellness and opportunity 
Yoga tourism is emerging as a powerful trend worldwide, and Tanzania is poised to become a leading destination for wellness travel. Known for its safaris and cultural richness, Tanzania is now exploring new frontiers with the help of Swasti Yoga Center, Associate Centre of the...
Chandigarh UT Chapter leads the way in celebrating IDY 2025 with spirit of unity and wellness 
The Chandigarh UT Chapter of the Indian Yoga Association has actively joined the national celebration of the 11th International Yoga Day (IYD), embracing the global theme “One Earth, One Health” to highlight the vital link between personal well-being and planetary harmony. The chapter began its...
Yoga Unplugged: SBV organises Yoga Fest 
School of Yoga Therapy (SYT), ISCM, SBV (Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association) conducted the SBV Yoga Fest 2025 (as a Curtain raiser for the 11th IDY) under the signature event category of Yoga Unplugged. This was a Regional level program for all the...
Yoga Unplugged: Yoga Awareness Program at Rural Healthcare Training Center of SBV, Pondicherry 
The School of Yoga Therapy (SYT), Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine (ISCM) of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, conducted a vibrant and impactful awareness program at the Rural Healthcare Training Center (RHTC) of SBV in the Aranganur. This...
YVN concludes successful 52nd Annual Summer Course 
Yoga Vidya Niketan (YVN), Mumbai, Member Institute of Indian Yoga Association, successfully concluded its 52nd Summer Yoga Course held from May 1 to May 31, 2025. Conducted across 34 physical centres in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai — ranging from TIFR Colaba to Mankhurd, and Borivali...
Yoga Samavesh IDY 2025: SBV with IYA conducts awareness program on Yoga Therapy for Residents of Alcohol De-addiction Centre 
A collaborative outreach program was organised and conducted by the School of Yoga Therapy, ISCM, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) in association with the Indian Yoga Association – Pondicherry chapter and Garudaa Mental Health Wellness Centre, Cuddalore- for the residents of the alcohol and cannabis de-addiction...
Yoga education for underprivileged children by IYA Chandigarh Chapter at Sivananda Center of Excellence 
The Indian Yoga Association, Chandigarh State Chapter, conducted a meaningful yoga education session for children of brick kiln workers at the Sivananda Center of Excellence, Kakrmajra. The session was led by Yog Guru Shri Sandeep Sharma from Ashiana Children’s Home, Sector 16, Panchkula, who has...
Free yoga sessions for women municipal workers held in Chennai under IYA-TNSCC Samavesh Program 
As part of the Ministry of AYUSH’s “Samavesh” program—one of the 10 signature events under the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations, Smt S. Lalitha, Professional Member of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) and founder of Abhyasaa Yoga Center and Therapy in Chennai, successfully...
Tamil Nadu SCC hosts valedictory of free summer yoga classes for children at Ashok Nagar 
The Tamil Nadu State Chapter Committee (SCC) of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), in collaboration with Shri N. Elumalai of Rangarajapuram SKY Trust, successfully conducted the closing ceremony of the Free Summer Yoga Classes for Children at the Ashok Nagar Anjaneyar Temple, Chennai. Held from...
VYAS Kolkata hosts yoga awareness camp to promote One World, One Health 
As part of the Yoga Teacher Training Programme, Vivekananda Yoga Abhyas Sanstha (VYAS Kolkata), an Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, organized a Yoga Awareness Camp on May 4, 2025, at Keshav Bhawan, Kolkata. Dedicated to the theme “One World, One Health through Yoga,”...



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10 Jul 2025

Blog

IYA Gurus and Acharyas participate in PGIMER CYE
Cover Story

IYA Gurus and Acharyas participate in PGIMER CYE 

by Kanupriya, Kalyan, Prashant Verma, Sheetal Gupta, Kiran, Navneet Kaur, Rahul Tyagi and Dr Akshay Anand

To reduce the anxiety and stress among students in the times of COVID-19 Pandemic, Integrative Medicine Case Reports, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh (PGIMER) with support of Indian Yoga Association organized Facebook LIVE thrice a day with Yoga experts. The Continuous Yoga Education (CYE) series was spearheaded under Dr Akshay Anand, Professor, Department of Neurology, PGIMER. We bring you excerpts of the talks delivered by IYA Gurus and Acharyas.

Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra – President
Topic: Role of Yoga in COVID 19

Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra elucidated the importance of a robust immune system to fight Corona pandemic. Immunity is the key. A strong immune system will help in fighting this virus with WBC’s and NK. For the same it is imperative that we relax. Relaxation will combat stress and strengthen immune system. He also informed the viewers about the Integrated Yoga modules created by SVYASA for every level i.e. body, prana, mind, emotional, intellectual and bliss, available online and can be performed at any place by people of all the ages.

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani – Director, SPPPRC
Topic: Nadayoga Technique to Manage Anxiety and Stress

In his online session Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani explained in detail Nadayoga Technique, Geetananda tradition of Ashatanga Yoga. He defined Nadayoga as the Yoga of Vibration, Nada as the capacity of human beings to produce some sounds which enables us to gesture our intent into the universe. Starting with Mukhbhastrika followed by Hakara practice and Hakara Kriya with movement he concluded his session with Nadayoga practices and chanting OM.

Kamlesh D. Patel (Daaji) – Member, Governing Council
Topic:

Daa ji interacted with HCWs in the country especially those from Chandigarh region emphasising the “helplessness” of poor as they bear the burden of lockdown. He carried out a session of heartfulness meditation online prompting all the participants to focus on meditation by increasing awareness of the present situation. The session lasted for over 1 hour.

Dr. R. Nagarathna – Director, SRC
T
opic: Theory and Practice of COVID 19 Yoga Protocol
Dr. R Nagarathna Didi gave a short presentation on COVID 19 Yoga protocol of prevention of COVID infection. She proposed mind management to keep it at bay. She proposed a protocol for mind management to calm the mind by synchronizing body and mind starting with breathing practices, loosening practices, Surya namaskara, Asanas, Pranayama, meditation and finally calming down the mind.

Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi – Member, Governing Council
Topic: Efficacy of Yoga in the rehabilitation of COVID 19
Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi discussed that it is wiser to choose Yoga for prevention of COVID-19. He talked about the importance of preparatory practices and Shuddhi Kriyas. He explained in detail about the 5 capsules of Yoga practices including standing, sitting, supine, prone and relaxative postures, which are helpful in respiratory and cardiovascular function. His session was a complete package of Yogic practices, which would be helpful in enhancing immunity.

Dr. Jaideep Arya – Joint Secretary, Executive Council
T
opic: Yoga Practices and Pranayama to Strengthen the Immune System
Dr. Jaideep Arya ji started his session with talking about a paper to be published about role of phytochemicals from the Ayurvedic medicinal plants which can help in prevention of COVID-19 infection. He, thereafter, stressed upon the need of integrated holistic approach to fight the current crisis. Explaining the health benefits on Yoga mentioned in classical Yoga text books, he talked about Kapal Bhati, deep breathing and Anulom Vilom pranayama.
He then advised the need of integrated holistic approach to fight the current crisis and also gave the example about some people who recovered from COVID by Yoga practices which are available online. He then explained the health benefits on Yoga which is mentioned in classical Yoga text books.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev – Member, Governing Council
Topic: Health for the Healthcare Workers

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev interacted with the Doctors and Scientists of PGIMER, Chandigarh and guided them to their doubts in the current COVID crisis. He highlighted the fact that the respect the society has for Health care workers is more than never before under current situation and requested all those who are capable, including Govt. organizations and private industries to come forward by providing Healthcare workers with protective equipment’s. He advised the healthcare workers to keep their families protected and everybody to stay in a mentally balanced state especially during these challenging times. He concluded his session with defining Yoga as a union, unity of an individual with the universe.

Dr. Hansa Ji Yogendra – Senior Vice President, Executive Council
Topic: Mental health for healthcare workers

Yoga deals with human psychology, human philosophy and technology, elucidated Dr Hansa ji. She advocated the use of technology along with Yoga for a positive effect on the human mind. She also talked about Tamasik (foods that decrease the energy of the body are considered tamasic), Rajasik (increase the energy of the body are considered rajasic) and Sattvik (food that is pure, natural, energetic, vital and clean) food, and advised to take Sattvik diet. She asked everyone to practice pranayama to enhance immunity.

Shri Subodh Tiwari – Vice President, Executive Council
Topic:
Shri Subodh Tiwari ji described the role of Kaivalyadhama in describing out various courses. In his session, he discussed the importance of pranayam and other breathing techniques, which could be useful in the current crisis. The session was very well received.

Durgadas Sawant – Joint Secretary, IYA Maharashtra State Chapter Committee
Topic: Kriyas

Durgadas Sawant performed Neti Kriyas, Kunjal kriya, Kapal Bhati describing the elementary step of Shatkriyas and their benefits, contra-indication and citation in the ancient texts. He elaborated the importance of shat kriyas as a prelude to yoga asanas. The program was very well received.

Dr Rajvi Mehta – Director, Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (IYA Member Institute)
Topic: BKS Iyengar- His Life and contribution to Yoga

Dr Rajvi Mehta introduced the co-principles of Iyengar Yoga emphasizing the significance of using the props and cushions for the individual who find it difficult to perform regular asanas. The session was useful for older adults. The second session comprised of dynamic yoga asanas performed by her student. The session was meant for adolescents.

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