In an aura of divine energy and spiritual resonance, the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) hosted its 4th National State Chapter Conclave on March 3, 2025, at Anuvrat Bhavan, New Delhi, an event that united luminaries of the yogic world, esteemed dignitaries, and passionate seekers of yogic wisdom. Under the sanctified theme “The Present and Future,” the conclave stood as a testament to the association’s unwavering commitment to propagating authentic yoga, expanding its reach, and strengthening its presence across national and global landscapes.
The event was marked by the esteemed presence of Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra, President, IYA, Guruji Dr HR Nagendra, Governing Council Member, Dr Ishwar Basavaraddi, Governing Council Member, IYA, Dr Kashinath Samagandi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, IYA, and distinguished dignitaries like Sadhvi Dr Kundan Rekha Ji.
A grand inauguration blessed by yogic
luminaries
The 4th National Conclave for the State Chapter commenced on a deeply spiritual note with a soulful invocation by Shaktimaa Devasena Bhavanani creating an atmosphere of serenity and reverence. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed yogic luminaries—Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi, Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Shri Subodh Tiwari, and Sadhvi Dr. Kundan Rekha Ji—each of whom has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern yoga landscape. Their collective presence infused the gathering with wisdom and inspiration.
Shri Subodh Tiwari set the stage with a compelling introduction, outlining the significance of the conclave, which saw the participation of representatives from 19 State Chapter Committees. The event provided a vibrant platform for Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons from various state chapters to engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering collaboration and growth within the Indian Yoga Association (IYA).
Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra opened the session with her profound insights on the holistic essence of yoga. She emphasized that yoga is not merely a physical practice but a way of life that brings balance and harmony. “Excess in any aspect—be it food, work, or emotions—leads to imbalance. Yoga teaches us the art of moderation and inner equilibrium,” she reminded the audience. She urged IYA members to embody these principles, not just in their personal lives but also in their efforts to spread the wisdom of yoga. Maa Hansaji reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging digital platforms to share the message of yoga and encouraged everyone to remain steadfast in their yogic journey.
Following her, Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra delivered an inspiring speech on the transformative power of yoga in fostering global harmony. He reiterated the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”One World, One Family”—stating that lasting peace can only be achieved when individuals cultivate inner harmony. He highlighted ongoing initiatives to integrate yoga into educational curricula through collaborations with NCERT and AICTE, underlining yoga’s role in addressing modern challenges like stress and holistic well-being. His words served as a clarion call for collective action to make yoga an integral part of daily life.
Dr. Kashinath Samagandi further enriched the discourse by acknowledging the relentless efforts of the Indian Yoga Association in promoting yoga on a global scale. He emphasized the need to integrate yoga with Ayurveda and other traditional healing sciences to create a comprehensive system of well-being. Elaborating on the four pillars of health—Aahar (diet), Vihaar (lifestyle), Achar (conduct), and Vichar (thoughts)—he stressed how aligning these aspects leads to true holistic health. He urged yoga practitioners to actively contribute to spreading the transformative benefits of yoga and assured continuous support from government bodies in strengthening its impact.
Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi provided a historical perspective, tracing the systematic evolution of yoga since 2005. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of revered leaders like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Bharat Bhushan, and other yogic visionaries in expanding yoga’s global reach. He emphasized the importance of preserving the traditional wisdom of yoga while integrating scientific advancements to enhance its credibility. Drawing attention to the modern era’s challenges, he highlighted the need to uphold human values in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. His speech was a powerful reminder to the younger generation to embrace the Guru-Shishya Parampara, ensuring the authenticity of yogic traditions through disciplined learning and dedicated practice.
The inaugural session set the tone for the conclave, weaving together wisdom, vision, and commitment. It served as a resounding affirmation of yoga’s growing significance and the collective responsibility of all present to nurture and expand its reach.
Strategic Sessions: Strengthening the Future of Yoga
One of the most pivotal sessions of the conclave was led by Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, IYA, in the esteemed presence of Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra. The session revolved around strengthening IYA’s State Chapters and ensuring a systematic expansion of yoga activities across all states. Key points discussed included:
Strengthening State Chapter Leadership: Encouraging state office bearers to take an active role in engaging with local institutions and authorities to increase IYA’s presence.
Collaborations with Government Bodies: Establishing stronger ties with State AYUSH Departments, Health Ministries, and Skill Development Ministries to advocate for yoga programs.
Creating a Structured Calendar: Developing an annual plan for state chapters, ensuring regular events and workshops throughout the year.
Mentoring Weaker Chapters: Encouraging well-established state chapters to support and guide those that are still developing.
Advocating for State Yoga Commissions: Discussing strategies for the formal establishment of State Yoga Commissions to promote yoga at the administrative level.
This session was met with great enthusiasm, and concrete action points were laid out for state representatives to implement in their respective regions.
This was followed by lunch and a Relaxation and Quiz session by Krida Yoga by Dr A Subramaniam, Secretary, Karnataka SCC and Ms Soko Takeuchi.
Satsang: Wisdom, Balance, and Inner Transformation
As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the gathering, the post-lunch session transformed into a serene and introspective satsang. Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra and Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra graced the stage, not just as speakers, but as guiding lights, sharing timeless wisdom that resonated deeply with every soul present.
Maa Hansaji, with her signature warmth and clarity, spoke about the essence of balance in life. She reminded everyone that true yoga is not just about physical postures but about living in harmony—within ourselves and with the world around us. “Life is a constant movement between opposites—activity and rest, joy and sorrow, abundance and scarcity. But excess in any direction disrupts our inner peace. The real practice of yoga is to stay centered through it all,” she said. She encouraged everyone to cultivate mindfulness in their actions, to observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed, and to make yoga a way of life rather than just a practice on the mat.
Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra followed with an equally inspiring address. He spoke of yoga as the ultimate science of self-transformation, a tool not only for personal growth but for creating a more peaceful and united world. The session was not just about words; it was an experience—a collective journey into self-reflection. The hall was filled with a palpable sense of peace as everyone absorbed the profound truths being shared. Some closed their eyes in deep contemplation, while others nodded, recognizing in the speakers’ words the answers to their own unspoken questions.
As the session concluded, a soft silence hung in the air—a silence not of emptiness, but of fulfillment. The wisdom imparted was not just to be heard but to be lived, and as everyone rose from their seats, there was a shared understanding that they were walking away with something invaluable—seeds of transformation that would continue to grow long after the gathering had ended.
Advancing Research
in Yoga
Dr. Rakesh Sarwal led an insightful session on elevating yoga research and fostering institutional collaborations. He emphasized the need to integrate yoga into mainstream healthcare by scientifically validating its therapeutic benefits. Despite extensive research on yoga, its inclusion in medical guidelines remains limited. To bridge this gap, structured initiatives must be undertaken to establish yoga as a recognized healthcare practice.
Key focus areas discussed:
- National Yoga Research Network: A collaborative platform linking hospitals, universities, and practitioners for scientific validation and knowledge sharing.
- Scientific Review Committee: A dedicated body to assess research proposals, ensuring adherence to global standards and securing publications in reputed journals.
- Funding Pilot Studies: Small-scale studies (INR 2-5 lakh) to generate preliminary data, supporting larger grant applications.
- Digital Collaboration Platform: A dedicated portal or Telegram channel for streamlined research discussions across specializations.
- Mainstreaming Yoga in Healthcare Policies: Recommendations to the Ministry of AYUSH and Health Ministry for integrating yoga-based therapies into conventional treatment plans.
Dr. Taneja, President of the Delhi State Chapter, stressed the importance of systematic documentation of patient outcomes, maintaining detailed health records, and conducting preliminary studies to establish scientific credibility. He highlighted the need for publishing research in international journals and encouraged specialization in specific health conditions where yoga has measurable benefits. By strengthening the scientific rigor of yoga therapy, its acceptance in mainstream healthcare can be accelerated.
Yoga: A Path to Balance and Beyond – Gurudev’s Inspiring Address
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar delivered a profound and thought-provoking address, highlighting the role of yoga in fostering inner peace, health, and global harmony. He began by reflecting on the significance of yoga in modern times, emphasizing that while the world is advancing technologically, the true progress of humanity lies in mental and emotional well-being.
He spoke about the importance of balance in yoga, stating that while introducing a competitive element in yoga for children can encourage discipline and participation, yoga for adults should remain a practice of cooperation rather than competition. He elaborated on the need to preserve the traditional roots of yoga while ensuring its accessibility to all without diluting its spiritual essence.
Gurudev underscored that yoga is not just about asanas but a holistic practice encompassing asana, pranayama, and meditation. He warned against the increasing tendency to over-secularize yoga, stripping it of its deeper spiritual aspects. He stressed that meditation and breathwork are essential components that must be included in all yoga programs to maintain the authenticity and transformative power of yoga.
He praised the Indian Yoga Association’s efforts in promoting authentic yoga and emphasized the need for continued research and innovation in yoga education and wellness initiatives. He encouraged yoga practitioners to work towards spreading the deeper knowledge of yoga to communities worldwide.
He concluded with an inspiring message, reminding attendees that yoga is naturally inclusive and must be preserved in its authentic form while adapting to the evolving needs of the modern world. He called upon all yoga practitioners and organizations to collaborate, innovate, and work together to bring yoga’s wisdom to every corner of the world.
A Vision for the Future
With the divine presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, the conclave concluded on an inspirational note, urging all members to uphold the sanctity of yoga and expand its reach worldwide. The 4th National State Chapter Conclave was a landmark event, reaffirming IYA’s commitment to preserving and propagating authentic yoga, carrying forth the blessings of our Gurus for generations to come.
