The 43rd Executive Council Meeting (ECM) of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) was held online on August 27, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The meeting was presided over by President Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, alongside key participants such as Shri S. Sridharan, Vice President, Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, Dr Ganesh Rao, Director, SAAC, and Shri P. C. Kapoor, Finance, Director.

The meeting commenced with a prayer, followed by the confirmation of the minutes from the 42nd ECM held on July 11, 2024. The minutes were unanimously approved, signaling a consensus among the council on decisions made in the previous session.

The Secretary General presented the action taken report, which covered a range of significant initiatives. One of the highlights was the revival of the standing committees, including the Strategic and Administrative Advisory Committee (SAAC), Strategic Planning and Public Policy Review Committee (SPPPRC), and Finance Committee (SFC). These committees had held successful meetings in July 2024, marking important steps toward strengthening the internal governance of the IYA. Additionally, the recently launched MANTHAN Monthly Lecture Series saw a successful inauguration, with Shri K.C. Jain delivering the first lecture at Anuvrat Bhawan, New Delhi. The event attracted over 50 online participants, establishing a strong start for this educational initiative.

In terms of organizational expansion, the onboarding of Yoga Rama Thapovanam & Rishi Marga Mission from Andhra Pradesh as a new member institute was formalized. The institute was issued a certificate of membership, and its details were updated on the IYA website. Further boosting the research efforts of the association, Dr. Rakesh Sarwal was formally included in the IYA Research Committee. His involvement is expected to invigorate the committee’s activities, further advancing IYA’s research endeavors.

The meeting also focused on recognizing contributions to yoga therapy and excellence in the field. Dr. Samprasad Vinod was conferred the prestigious Yoga Chikitsa Ratna Award, in recognition of his outstanding work in yoga therapy. Several other individuals were also honored as Yoga Acharyas and Yoga Chikitsakas, with certificates issued to all approved individuals. These recognitions reaffirm IYA’s commitment to celebrating the contributions of distinguished practitioners.
Expanding IYA’s organizational structure, the formation of a new State Chapter Committee (SCC) for Madhya Pradesh was finalized, reflecting the association’s continued efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence. Furthermore, Dr. Vinod Kashyap was appointed as the new Vice Chairperson of the Delhi SCC, enhancing leadership within the chapter. In the international arena, the IYA approved Shantarasa Yoga Darshana, based in South Australia, as a new International Associate, signaling IYA’s growing global network.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on these achievements and future plans, with Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra emphasizing the importance of continuing to activate the research committee and taking actionable steps to expand the association’s reach. The session ended with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.