The 42nd Executive Council Meeting of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) took place online on July 11, 2024, from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm. The meeting was presided over by Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, President, IYA.
Other key participants included Shri Subodh Tiwari, the Secretary General; Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, the Joint Secretary; Dr. S P Mishra, CEO of PrCB; and Shri P C Kapoor, Director of the Finance Committee, along with other members and special invitees.
The meeting began with the confirmation of the minutes from the 41st Executive Council Meeting held on May 23, 2024. These minutes were unanimously approved, signaling agreement among the council members on the decisions made in the previous meeting.
An action taken report was presented regarding the decisions from the 41st meeting. Among the notable events discussed was the successful 3rd National Conclave, MANTHAN, held on June 18, 2024, at Anuvrat Bhawan in New Delhi. The conclave was a significant event for the IYA, featuring the introduction of the Associate Centre Excellence Awards and two panel discussions focusing on the operations of state chapters and support for inactive states. This event marked a pivotal moment in advancing yoga governance and development within the Association.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the ongoing reforms and new appointments within various State Chapter Committees, particularly in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. A major focus of the meeting was the revival of the IYA Standing Committees. The Secretary General informed the council about scheduled meetings for all five Standing Committees, some of which had already taken place in early July. This revival is seen as crucial for the continued progress and effectiveness of the Association’s initiatives.
The meeting also saw the approval of a new member institute, Yoga Rama Thapovanam & Rishi Marga Mission from Andhra Pradesh, further expanding the IYA’s network and influence. In the realm of research, the nomination of Dr. Rakesh Sarwal to the IYA Standing Research Committee was approved, with the aim of revitalizing the committee’s activities.
Recognizing excellence in the field of yoga, the council approved the proposal to confer the Yoga Chikitsa Ratna award on Dr. Samprasad Vinod. Additionally, several individuals were recognized as Yoga Chikitsa Acharyas and Yoga Chikitsakas, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to honoring contributions to yoga therapy.
International collaboration was also a key topic, with the council discussing an invitation from China for an event scheduled in October 2024. The IYA plans to invite nominations from its Life Members for representing the Association at this event.
Lastly, the meeting addressed ongoing efforts to revive and reform inactive State Chapter Committees. A significant meeting was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where members gathered to discuss the future roadmap for the state chapter. These efforts underscore the IYA’s commitment to strengthening its organizational structure at the grassroots level.
The meeting concluded with a chanting of the Shanti Mantra, led by Dr. Ananda. The President, Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, expressed her gratitude to all participants and optimism about the progress being made in various IYA initiatives. The 42nd Executive Council Meeting thus highlighted important steps towards strengthening the Association’s governance, expanding its network, and promoting excellence in yoga.