Practice of the Month
Yogavani in Hands, Yoga in Hearts: Moments of Distribution 
In a landmark moment for the Indian Yoga Association, Yogavani was released in its first-ever physical print edition with the February 2025 issue. This tangible expression of our yogic heritage was warmly received as members of IYA enthusiastically distributed copies to esteemed personalities, institutions, and...
Formation of the new committee for the Nagaland SCC 
In alignment with the Indian Yoga Association’s vision to strengthen and streamline its operations across the North-East, a decision was taken during the Executive Council Meeting held on January 28, 2025 under the leadership of the Maa Dr. Hansa Ji Yogendra, President, IYA, to reform...
IYA’s Gujarat State Chapter Committee reforms 
This report outlines the reformation of the Gujarat State Chapter Committee of the Indian Yoga Association, carried out through a Circular Resolution process in response to recent developments and to ensure continued and effective functioning of the Chapter. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the...
Reconstitution of Uttar Pradesh State Chapter Committee 
To strengthen the presence and outreach of the Indian Yoga Association in Uttar Pradesh, a Circular Resolution was passed for the reformation of the State Chapter Committee. The objective is to bring together dedicated yoga professionals and institutional representatives to promote IYA’s vision and facilitate...
New committee appointed for Puducherry State Chapter 
In a virtual meeting held on February 23, 2025, in the presence of IYA Joint Secretary Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, it was unanimously decided to reform the Puducherry State Chapter Committee to enhance the activities of the Indian Yoga Association in the region. Nominations were...
Indian Yoga Association reconstitutes West Bengal State Chapter Committee 
In the Executive Council meeting held on January 28, 2025 under the leadership of Maa Dr. Hansa Ji Yogendra, President, IYA a resolution was passed to reform the West Bengal State Chapter Committee (WBSCC). Nominations were subsequently invited from Life Members, Associate Centres, and Member...
Ananda Chaitanya Foundation’s transformative journey: Empowering minds and uplifting society 
In February 2025, Ananda Chaitanya Foundation (ACF) hosted a series of transformative events that blended ancient yogic wisdom with modern practical applications, touching the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The month kicked off with the Focus – Meditation Intensive Program, a two-day immersive event...
Vedic Kaya Sadhana organises certificate distribution ceremony 
Vedic Kaya Sadhana recently held a certificate distribution ceremony to honor students for their dedicated participation and successful completion of yoga training programs. The event celebrated their progress and commitment to the path of traditional and therapeutic yoga.
A Milestone for the Indian Yoga Association – Chhattisgarh Chapter 
In a significant moment for the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), the Dr. Mritunjay RathoreSecretary, IYA Chhattisgarh State Chapter had the honor of meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, Chairman of IYA. The delegation sought his blessings and shared the chapter’s ongoing activities and key...
Aerial Yoga Workshop by Krish Yoga Vidhyaalaya and TMS Yoga Studio, Chennai 
Krish Yoga Vidhyaalaya, an Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, in collaboration with TMS Yoga Studio, Chennai, successfully hosted a one-day Aerial Yoga Workshop on 15th March 2025. The session was led by Dr. C. Kamatchi, Founder of Krish Yoga Vidhyaalaya, who shared insightful...



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23 May 2025

Blog

YOGA DURING COVID TIMES
Editorial

YOGA DURING COVID TIMES 

A Report on Novel Initiatives by the CYTER of SBV

Current scenario across the globe: The COVID19 invasion of the whole world has brought with it a great deal of stress for each and every individ­ual on this planet. The pandemic is advancing at a staggering pace and this “invisible enemy” has affected each and every individual with fear and threat of danger and uncertainty.

‘Yogic Self Care’ by CYTER: During the time of the lockdown worldwide, there is increased mental stress, emotional volatility and lack of physical ex­ercise that leaves people feeling increasingly dis­empowered. To overcome this, the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Deemed to be Univer­sity in Pondicherry has launched a series of online sessions of “YOGIC SELF CARE” since April 2020. The sessions are being shared through the FB page of CYTER designated for the same www.facebook.com/yogicselfcare.

These pioneering initiatives to help our society during this COVID-19 pandemic has been appreciated and supported by the Ministry of AYUSH by mention in its social media. People of all age groups have partici­pated, benefitted and enjoyed these sessions conducted by qualified faculty and staff of CYTER as well as na­tionally and internationally renowned Yoga personnel enabling them to win over this disease.

Yoga for the welfare of SBV employees: The em­ployees of SBV are under tremendous stress due to direct exposure to the COVID-19. A joint survey is being conducted by CYTER along with the depart­ment of Psychiatry of MGMCRI to understand their level of stress and as a solution CYTER is offering direct and online yoga sessions for the welfare of the SBV employees.
The training programs have been organised by the Personnel Department of SBV, focusing on health is­sues of SBV employees during Covid. Yoga sessions are being scheduled and conducted on Wednesday afternoons by CYTER since the 23rd of September 2020, with batches having limited participants and strictly following social distancing and hygiene norms as stipulated by the health authorities and the Govern­ment. There has been a reduction of 48% in anxiety levels of the participants even after a single session of such yoga based stress management and relaxation at CYTER.

This program was inaugurated by the Personal Man­ager, Sri Balamugundan and senior members (As­sistant Personal Manager Mrs Nisha, Housekeeping Manager Mr Nandha Kumar) participated along with the others. Yogic techniques such as Jathis & Kriyas, simplified asanas along with Pranayama and relax­ation practices are being given during these sessions.
COVID Home Care packages are being offered for the COVID patients quarantined at home through SBV’s “E- Healthcare Services” through which con­sultations and Yoga sessions will be offered to enable them regain their health and wholistic wellness from home.
Yoga in COVID wards: CYTER of SBV, function­ing at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Re­search Institute (MGMCRI) of Pondicherry is the first one of its kind to start and sustain regular Yoga training for the COVID positive patients admitted to the hospital, as it would add to the recovery and overall wellbeing of the patients.

The Yoga Instructors of CYTER Sri Danushap­nadeesh P and Mrs Sarulatha G underwent Don­ning Doffing of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit training sessions and virtual ward orienta­tion sessions before starting the Yoga training ses­sions to the patients admitted in the COVID wards of MGMCRI.

Regular Yoga practice sessions are going on in the COVID wards from the September 7, 2020. An hour of simplified Yoga techniques is being given during the training sessions that are conducted four days a week. Both the Yoga instructors are conducting the training with a sense of devoted commitment and full zest. The same is reflected upon by the CO­VID ward patients who willingly and enthusiasti­cally participate with involvement in these lively sessions that will add up to their speedy recovery and healing.

On an average 35 to 40 COVID patients partici­pate in the Yoga training every day summing up to around 400 plus patients having been benefit­ted immensely till date. As evidenced by the sci­entific studies, practice of Yoga addresses and enhances the physical, mental and emotional di­mensions of health and wellness. We truly appre­ciate the sincerity, boldness and the Yogic spirits of both our Yoga instructors who are serving these pa­tients admitted to the COVID wards of MGMCRI.

Positive feedback has been received from both the patients as well as their families who have appreciat­ed this novel approach for health and wellness. Many of them have also been in contact with our team after going home and have reported that they are continu­ing the practices. They have especially found benefits in the oxygen saturation levels and a general sense of empowered wellness.

We need to refocus on our own salutogenesis (Sw­astha), our own inherent capacity and ability to be re­sponsible for our health and happiness. Yoga empow­ers us, and enables us to take charge of our own life, thus promoting holistic health for each and every one of us. If only we can fine-tune our chords of health and hope, world will certainly witness the success of a healthy and happy humanity earlier than later.

Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

( Editor-in-Chief )

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