The 44th Executive Council Meeting (ECM) of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) took place virtually on September 26, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This important meeting was presided over by President Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, along with several key officials, including Shri S. Sridharan, Vice President, Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, Dr. Ganesh Rao, Director of SAAC, and Shri P. C. Kapoor, Finance Director.
The meeting began with a solemn prayer, setting a peaceful and contemplative tone for the session. Following this, the minutes from the 43rd ECM, held on August 27, 2024, were confirmed and unanimously approved, showcasing the council’s unified direction and alignment on past decisions.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the action taken report by the Secretary General, Shri Subodh Tiwari. The report provided an overview of various initiatives undertaken by the IYA, focusing on the expansion and strengthening of the organization’s structural framework. Among the notable updates was the formal on boarding of the Jagadguru Kripalu Yoga Trust as a new member institute. This inclusion underlines IYA’s continued commitment to bringing diverse yoga institutions under one banner for collective growth and development.
The meeting also celebrated the revival of several standing committees, such as the Strategic and Administrative Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Strategic Planning and Public Policy Review Committee (SPPPRC). These committees had previously been reactivated during the 43rd ECM, marking a renewed focus on enhancing the administrative and strategic outlook of the IYA. Special recognition was given to the Finance Committee (SFC) for its robust financial oversight.
Further strengthening its research endeavors, the IYA approved a proposal for revamping the Research Committee. Dr. Rakesh Sarwal, whose expertise had been acknowledged in previous sessions, was formally tasked with spearheading this transformation. His leadership is expected to invigorate the committee’s research agenda, driving deeper insights into yoga therapy and wellness.
On the awards front, the council honored multiple outstanding contributions in the field of yoga therapy. The prestigious Yoga Chikitsa Ratna Award was bestowed upon Dr. Jitendra Prasad for his exemplary work in advancing yoga therapy. Several other individuals were recognized as Yoga Acharyas and Yoga Chikitsakas, receiving formal certificates for their exceptional contributions to the field.
Another key outcome of the meeting was the formation of a new State Chapter Committee (SCC) in Gujarat, signaling the association’s ongoing efforts to extend its grassroots presence. Additionally, the IYA bolstered its leadership by appointing Shri Rajesh Tiwari as the new Vice Chairperson of the Maharashtra SCC. This decision aligns with IYA’s broader strategy to strengthen leadership within its state chapters and ensure the effective dissemination of yoga practices across India.
In her concluding remarks, President Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra emphasized the significance of empowering IYA’s research initiatives and deepening its national and international collaborations. She called for a collective focus on furthering the association’s vision and mission, particularly in advancing the role of yoga in health and wellness on a global scale.
The meeting ended with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, closing the session on a note of unity, peace, and purposeful action.
