The Indian Yoga Association Gujarat Chapter celebrated its 5th Foundation Day virtually on Sunday, December 31, 2023, on the theme ‘Akhand Bharat Yoga Parisamvad’. Esteemed Yoga Gurus and dignitaries from various states shared their insights on ‘Our Yogic Culture and its significance in Akhand Bharat Nirman.’ The program commenced with a prayer led by Ms. Bhakti Shah, Joint Secretary, Gujarat SCC.
Ms. Meetal Koticha Shah, Sr. Vice Chairperson, Gujarat SCC extended a warm welcome to all the Gurus. She expressed immense pride in hosting the celebrations distinguished Yoga Gurus from across the nation, emphasizing the significance of the event as a testament to the Aims and Objectives set by the Indian Yoga Association.
Highlighting the role of the Gujarat Chapter, Ms. Shah emphasized its dedication to realizing the vision, mission, and objectives of the Indian Yoga Association. The chapter serves as a strong link, diligently working to spread the transformative message of Yoga to every segment of society, guided by the wisdom of respected Yoga Gurus.
Acharya Birju Maharaj, Chairperson, Gujarat SCC, provided a brief introduction to ‘Akhand Bharat Yoga Parisamvad,’ emphasizing Yoga as an ancient tradition and a cultural heritage of the nation. He highlighted that Yoga connects everyone and Gujarat is a land of great Yogis.
Shri Shaileshji Rathod, Vice-Chairperson, Gujarat SCC shared the achievements of the IYA Gujarat Chapter over the last four years. He noted the continuous efforts of the Gujarat team in spreading the message of IYA and motivating people to join the association.
Shri Subodh Tiwariji, Secretary General of IYA, blessed the occasion and shared his views on Akhand Bharat Yoga Parisamvad. Shri S Sridharan ji, Vice President, IYA shared his views through a video which was played during the event.
The event also featured a panel discussion with eminent personalities such as Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavnani, Brahmacharini Sobhna Ji, Dr. SP Mishra, Dr Ganesh Rao, and Acharya Birju Maharaj Ji, who shared their views on ‘Our Yogic Culture and its significance in Akhand Bharat Nirman.’
The panel discussion revolved around the theme, ‘Our Yogic Culture and its significance in Akhand Bharat.’ Eminent speakers from various parts of the nation, including Dr. Ishwar Bhardwaj from Uttarakhand, Kambampati Subrahmanyam from Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Parinita Singh from Jharkhand, Dr. Madan Mohan T. from Pondicherry, Dr. M. K. Taneja from Delhi, Shri Surya Pratap Singh Rajawat from Rajasthan, Shri Natraj from Kerala, Shri Kamlesh Ulhas Bandekar from Goa, Shri Amit Kumar from Jharkhand, and Ms. Sarita Sharma from Delhi enriched the discourse.
The consensus among the leading Yoga Gurus was that the role of Yoga in Akhand Bharat is indispensable. Yoga, they emphasized, contributes to the establishment of peace and harmony, making society healthier and happier.
The event was seamlessly coordinated by Ms. Mauli Baviskar, Joint Secretary, IYA- GC. Mr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Secretary, IYA- GC concluded with a vote of thanks. The entire team of the Gujarat Chapter worked collaboratively to make the event a resounding success. The Indian Yoga Association Central office provided the Zoom link and platform for the event, while the Technical and Graphics Team of Project ‘Life,’ Rajkot, played a pivotal role in making this event historical.
The 5th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Yoga Association Gujarat Chapter was a profound exploration of our Yogic heritage and its vital role in the building of Akhand Bharat. The event was a testament to the commitment and dedication of the entire IYA community towards the promotion of Yoga for the well-being of society.