The Kerala State Chapter Committee of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) organised Yoga Setu on October 12, 2025, a dignified and spiritually uplifting gathering of diverse yoga schools, in Ernakulam, Kochi. True to its name, Yoga Setu emerged as a bridge—uniting lineages, institutions, teachers, and seekers—under the shared vision of strengthening Yoga as a living, collective tradition. The programme was held in the august presence and blessings of revered Acharyas, senior yoga leaders, and committed practitioners from across Kerala and beyond.
The function was graced by Acharya Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi of Juna Akhada, Varanasi, whose presence sanctified the occasion. He was joined by Swami Chidakasha of The Art of Living Foundation, lending further spiritual depth to the gathering.
Senior representatives from IYA Delhi Executive Council—Dr. Ganesh Rao and Dr. S. P. Mishra—were present, offering guidance and insights on national programmes and academic pathways in Yoga. The event was led by Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari, Chairperson, IYA Kerala State Chapter Committee, and Chairman, Vivekananda Kendra Anandadham, Kodungallur. The leadership team also included Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri, Senior Vice Chairperson, IYA Kerala and Director, Paithrik School of Yoga; Rajgopal Krishnan, General Secretary, IYA Kerala; along with eminent yoga teachers, yoga couples, students, and family members.
Invocation & Opening
The programme commenced with a prayer, setting a serene and reverential tone. In his welcome address, Sri Rajgopal Krishnan highlighted the spirit of unity and mutual respect among yoga schools, emphasising that Yoga Setu was envisioned as a platform for dialogue, recognition, and collective growth of the yogic ecosystem in Kerala.
Delivering the presidential address, Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari reflected on the responsibility of yoga institutions to uphold authenticity, ethical teaching, and community service. She underlined the role of the IYA as a unifying national body that nurtures collaboration while honouring the diversity of yogic traditions.
Blessings & Key Honours
The blessing address by Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi was a spiritual highlight of the day. His words resonated with clarity and compassion, reminding participants of Yoga’s deeper purpose—inner transformation, social harmony, and service to humanity.
On this occasion, Swami Anandavanam Bharathi was conferred Eminent Membership of the Indian Yoga Association, acknowledging his lifelong contribution to spiritual and yogic pursuits. He also ceremonially distributed Associate Centre Certificates to yoga schools that had enrolled as Associate Centres of IYA, marking an important step towards institutional strengthening and national integration.
Felicitations & Recognitions
Felicitations were offered by Swami Chidakasha, who spoke on Yoga as a universal science transcending boundaries, and by Kaithapram Vasudevan Namboothiri, who reflected on Kerala’s rich yogic heritage and the need to preserve traditional wisdom while engaging with contemporary systems.
Acharyas from distinguished yoga schools of Kerala, yoga couples, and yoga teachers with long and dedicated service in the field were honoured, creating moments of gratitude, inspiration, and collective pride.
Closing & Cultural Harmony
The formal proceedings concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Yogacharya Harilal, Joint Secretary, IYA Kerala. The post-lunch session included an interactive talk by Dr. Subramaniam, followed by an in-depth discourse by Dr. Ganesh Rao on “Meditation – From the Yog Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali”, seamlessly blending philosophy with practice.
Dr. Ganesh Rao also presented an overview of IYA’s national programmes and activities, highlighting opportunities for collaboration, outreach, and capacity building. This was followed by Dr. S. P. Mishra, CEO, IYA PrCB, Delhi, who elaborated on Courses and Examinations conducted by IYA, offering clarity on structured learning, certification, and quality assurance in yoga education.
The day flowed into Satsang, Meditation, and the traditional Kerala Sadhya, reinforcing the sense of shared culture, community bonding, and yogic living.
A Living Bridge of Yoga
Yoga Setu stood as a luminous example of unity in diversity—where multiple yoga streams converged with mutual respect and shared purpose. Organised with dedication by the Kerala State Chapter Committee of the Indian Yoga Association, the event reaffirmed the collective resolve to walk together on the yogic path, building bridges of wisdom, service, and harmony for generations to come.
