Team Goemkarponn
Mapusa: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with great fervor at the Sports Authority of Goa’s Indoor Stadium in Peddem, Mapusa. Held under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the event was themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” and aptly titled Yoga Sangam, reflecting the unifying and holistic power of yoga.
The celebration drew over 650 participants, including AIIA students and faculty, Khelo India trainees, officials from the Sports Authority of Goa, representatives of state and central government bodies, and members of the public.
The event was graced by Dr. Geeta Suresh Nagvenkar, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, as Chief Guest, and presided over by Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa.
The morning began at 6:15 AM with a warm welcome from Dr. Sanjay Khedekar, Nodal Officer for IDY 2025 at AIIA Goa, who outlined the day’s proceedings. This was followed by the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. In his speech, the Prime Minister noted, “Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe.” He highlighted yoga’s broader purpose: “Yoga is a profound personal discipline that, at the same time, serves as a collective system—one that transitions individuals from Me to We.”
A key highlight of the program was the mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol, where participants came together in a powerful display of unity and wellness.
In her keynote address, Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar emphasized the growing relevance of yoga in promoting both physical and mental well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam spoke on the deep synergy between Yoga and Ayurveda in achieving sustainable, holistic health. She also spotlighted AIIA Goa’s commitment to wellness, sharing that the institute organized a 100-day-long celebration leading up to IDY 2025. This included over 100 activities such as the Harit Yoga Campaign, Yoga at Iconic and Heritage Sites, Yoga Samavesh for Senior Citizens, Iyengar Yoga Workshops, and various student-led competitions.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Dr. Mohan Joshi, Associate Dean, AIIA Goa. He shared glimpses of the 100-day yoga campaign through short videos and expressed deep gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters including the Sports Authority of Goa, Khelo India, GTDC, and others. He encapsulated the essence of the day: “Cultivating wellness and celebrating happiness through Yoga.”
Key Message: “Yoga is not just a one-day celebration. It is a way of life to be embraced every day.”
With vibrant participation and inspiring messages, AIIA Goa’s celebration of International Yoga Day reaffirmed the institute’s mission of promoting health, harmony, and happiness through traditional wisdom.
