The Indian Yoga Association – Maharashtra Chapter proudly hosted its first Yoga Conclave post-COVID on Sunday, 23rd February 2025, at Rama & Sundri Watumull Auditorium, K.C. College, Churchgate, Mumbai. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 450 participants gathering to celebrate the essence of yoga.
The conclave was graced by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he announced an initiative to introduce Yoga as a mandatory subject in ITIs and technical institutes, benefiting approximately 2 lakh students across Maharashtra. The event was further honored by the presence of Shri Venugopal Reddy, Hon’ble Addl. Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, Maharashtra, Shri Dinesh Panjwani, Secretary, HSNC Board, and Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, Indian Yoga Association. Their insights and expertise added immense value to the discussions and deliberations throughout the conclave.
A series of insightful panel discussions took place, covering key topics such as Yoga Education, Yoga Tourism, and Career Opportunities in Yoga. The Yoga Education Panel was moderated by Dr. Deepak Bagadia (B. Pharm. Yoga Ratna, Yoga Master & Therapist), featuring panelists Dr. Ashish Pandey, Professor at Shailesh Mehta School of Management, IIT Mumbai, Dr. Shardchandra Bhalekar, Professor at Kaivalyadham, and Mr. Vinod Joshi, Trustee of Yoga Vidya Niketan. The discussion emphasized the need to incorporate yoga into early childhood education, develop a yogic quality of mind, and balance scientific temperament with psychological capital. Dr. Ashish provided valuable insights on online research resources and the Panchkosha diagnostic tool for personality assessment. Additionally, Mr. Sabir Shaikh (MA in Yogashastra, Yogacharya) guided participants on various career opportunities in yoga.
As part of the ‘Yoga Experience’ program, Atmayoga Guru Dr. Samprasad Vinod (MD, PhD, Founder Director – Maharshi Vinod Research Foundation) conducted a deeply serene meditation session, which left the audience in a state of profound peace and inner joy. Participants carried this feeling of rejuvenation and tranquility with them, reinforcing the transformative power of yoga.
The Yoga Tourism Panel, moderated by Dr. Vikas Chothe (BAMS, Director, Swasti Yoga, Pune), explored the potential of Yoga Tourism in India. The panel featured Chaitanya Leela Das, Monk, Life Coach, TEDx Speaker, and Ms. Sandhya Patki, Founder of New Age Yoga Institute & Member of the Technical Committee, YCB-AYUSH. The discussion underscored India’s position in the $6.3 trillion global wellness industry, holding a 5% market share. Maharashtra, with its picturesque beaches, mountains, plateaus, and forts, was highlighted as a promising destination for Yoga Tourism. Chaitanya Ji captivated the audience with an intriguing anagram of the word ‘SPIRITUAL,’ relating it to the essence of Yoga Tourism.
The Yoga Careers & Opportunities Panel was moderated by Shri Nitin Patki (B. Tech, IIT, CEO, New Age Yoga Institute), with panelists Dr. Makarand Newalkar (PhD in Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Sr. VP, J M Baxi), Dr. Deepak Bagadia (Yoga Master & Therapist), and Mr. Mohit Kumar (President – HR, Hindalco). The discussion delved into the evolution of yoga from 2000 to 2025, analyzing the increased demand and supply in the field while maintaining quality standards. Mr. Mohit Kumar provided a compelling perspective on customized yoga programs for corporate environments, advocating for the application of yogic principles in the modern business landscape while staying true to the authentic scriptures.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event, Dr. Pallavi Kavhane and her team delivered a stunning Yogasana demonstration, showcasing Traditional, Artistic, and Rhythmic Yogasana. Their performance was a true testament to the beauty and discipline of yoga, leaving the audience in awe.
The event concluded on a spiritually uplifting note with Bhakti Yoga bhajans by Shri Nitin Patki, creating an atmosphere of devotion, peace, and harmony. The conclave successfully reinforced yoga’s role in education, tourism, and career development, uniting minds and hearts in the pursuit of wellness and wisdom.
