The Indian Yoga Association (IYA) convened its 50th Executive Council Meeting on July 22, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM via an online platform under the esteemed leadership of Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, President. The meeting was attended by Shri S. Sridharan (Vice President), Shri Subodh Tiwari (Secretary General), Dr. S.P. Mishra (CEO, IYA PrCB), Dr. Manjunath (Director, Research Committee), Prof. Elangovan, and Secretariat. The session commenced with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra by Shri S. Sridharan ji, followed by the opening remarks by Maa Hansaji Yogendra ji, who appreciated the collective efforts of the members and highlighted the growing strength and activity of the State Chapters.
The minutes of the 49th Executive Council Meeting held on May 8, 2025, were confirmed with collective chanting of ‘Om’. The Secretary General, Shri Subodh Tiwari ji, presented the Action Taken Report, highlighting that the Yog Setu at Parmarth Niketan on May 25, 2025, was successfully conducted despite weather disruptions, leading to the onboarding of one new Associate Centre and one Yoga Professional Members. The Monthly Cycle Sessions continued effectively on the first Sunday of each month with notable speakers including Shri Durgadas Sawant and Shri M. Janakiraman. The Global Yoga Research Conference was confirmed for January 30 – February 1, 2026, at the Art of Living Ashram, Bengaluru, with Shri Sridharan and Dr. Manjunath leading coordination. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Workshops proposal received appreciation from the Hon’ble President of India, while the Manthan Sessions continued successfully, with Dr. Prashant Iyengar scheduled to lead the upcoming session online. The IYA PrCB certification for Mokshayatan commenced, marking a significant milestone, and IYA’s contribution to IDY 2025 was appreciated by the Ministry of Ayush. A special Guru Purnima Instagram Live session was also conducted to strengthen digital outreach.
To enhance IYA’s outreach and engagement, the Council reviewed and finalized upcoming events including Yog Setu – Indore on August 3, 2025, at Parmanand Yoga Institute, with participation from Dr. H.R. Nagendra and Shri Radheshyam Mishra; Yog Setu – Kerala on August 31, 2025, at Art of Living, Kochi; and the National Conclave in Rishikesh from November 7–9, 2025, at Lekhak Gaon, near the airport, with a capacity for 100 participants. The conclave will feature workshops, satsangs, and nature walks designed to strengthen institutional collaboration and collective learning.
The amendment in the Andhra Pradesh State Chapter Committee was unanimously approved, appointing Sri Paritala Gopi Krishna and Dr. Satyamurty Kashibhatta as Vice Chairpersons. Discussions on international collaboration included a proposed MoU with the Yoga Association of Australia, following the visit of Mr. Josh Pryor (CEO) on June 25, 2025, at Anuvrat Bhawan. Representing more than 2,500 teachers and 150 yoga institutes, the Australian association expressed a keen interest in promoting traditional Indian Yoga. The draft MoU is under review and verification before signing.
On the recommendation of Yogacharya Shri S. Sridharan ji, the Council unanimously approved the nomination of Dr. A.L.V. Kumar (Dr. Vrukshakapi) for the Yoga Chikitsa Ratna Award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to Yoga therapy. Under other matters, the Council approved the IYA PrCB certification at S-VYASA, to align with its January 12, 2026 convocation, with registrations commencing in November 2025 under the coordination of Dr. Shiv Shankar Sai (Registrar).
Additionally, the revision of international membership fees was approved, setting Yoga Volunteer Membership at USD 10, YPM at USD 40, and Life Membership at USD 250, in an effort to align with global norms and encourage wider participation. The meeting concluded
on a positive and collaborative note with closing remarks and a prayer by Maa Hansaji Yogendra, who commended the continuous dedication of all members and encouraged collective efforts to further strengthen IYA’s global vision and mission.