The Indian Yoga Association (IYA) convened its 51st Executive Council Meeting on September 18, 2025, through an online platform.
The meeting was chaired by Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, President, and attended by Shri Subodh Tiwari (Secretary General), Shri K.C. Jain (Treasurer), Shri P.C. Kapoor (Director, Standing Finance Committee), Prof. Elangovan, Shri Desraj, special invitee Shri Dheeraj Saraswat, and Secretariat members.
The session opened with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, followed by Maa Hansaji’s welcoming remarks. She acknowledged the collective commitment of the Executive Council and appreciated the progress achieved in recent months. The President then invited the Secretary General to present updates and take the meeting forward.
The minutes of the 50th EC Meeting held on July 22, 2025, were placed before the Council. With no additional suggestions received, the minutes were confirmed through a collective chanting of “Om.”
Presenting the Action Taken Report, Secretary General Shri Subodh Tiwari highlighted major developments since the last meeting. The Yog Setu program held at Paramanand Yoga, Indore on August 3 saw enthusiastic participation of nearly 500 yoga practitioners and led to increased memberships and new Associate Centre enrollments. The Monthly Cycle Sessions continued successfully with eminent speakers Dr. Meena Ramanathan and Dr. Farzana Siraz addressing recent editions. Key administrative decisions—such as amendments in APSCC, dispatch of the Yog Chikitsa Ratna certificate to Dr. A.L.V. Kumar, activation of the ChatGPT subscription for research support, revision of international membership fees, and initiation of revenue generation via website banners—were also completed.
The Council reviewed upcoming IYA outreach events, including Yog Setu Delhi (21 September), Rajasthan – Jaipur (5 October), Kerala (12 October) and Uttar Pradesh – Mokshayatan (16 November). Updates were also shared on preparations for the 5th National Conclave scheduled from November 7–9, 2025, at Lekhak Gaon, Rishikesh. Maa Hansaji confirmed her presence for the inaugural session.
Matters relating to State Chapter Committees were presented next. The proposed new formation of the Jammu & Kashmir SCC, submitted after their General Body Meeting, was placed before the EC and approved unanimously. Amendments in the Madhya Pradesh SCC, including the appointment of Smt. Urvashi Bagdi as Joint Secretary and Dr. Ajay Dubey as Vice Chairperson, also received unanimous approval.
The Council then discussed financial matters. Based on the recommendation of the Standing Finance Committee, the reappointment of statutory auditors for the forthcoming term was approved. The SOP for State Chapter fund release, drafted in line with previous EC resolutions and practical operational requirements, was also unanimously approved to streamline financial governance.
Two new institutional membership applications were considered. Niramaya (School of Yoga Education), already an Associate Centre of IYA, was approved under the State Registry. The Katirail Yoga Byayam Centre, Silchar, Assam, was also approved unanimously.
The syllabus for the 30-hour Common Yoga Protocol Appreciation Course (CYPAC), developed by Dr. Ganesh Rao and vetted by the SAAC, was presented. The Council decided that the course would be conducted free of cost through State Chapters, reinforcing grassroots outreach and public awareness.
Recommendations of the YT Screening Committee for Yoga Chikitsa certifications were placed before the EC. Approvals were granted for 14 Yog Chikitsa Acharya, 31 Yog Chikitsaka, and 6 Yog Chikitsa Sahayaka certifications.
Under “Any Other Matters”, the Council approved the proposal to appoint Dr. A. Subramaniam and Prof. Elangovan as additional central coordinators to support State Chapters and member institutions in certification drives. The EC also approved the Kerala State Chapter’s proposal to recognise Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, newly appointed Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada, as an Eminent Yoga Professional (EYP), noting that this would greatly strengthen activities in the region.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks by Maa Hansaji, who expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing programmes and encouraged continued dedication and teamwork. The session formally ended with the recitation of the Shanti Mantra, reinforcing the spirit of unity and purposeful action.