International Yoga Day Celebrations at TJIS: Yoga Day Spirit Shines Bright at TJIS
Greetings from TJIS!
At TJIS, we are committed to the holistic development of our students, and nothing exemplifies this better than our annual celebration of International Yoga Day. Held every year on June 21, this global observance aims to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and highlight the significance of this ancient practice in promoting both physical and mental well-being. This year, TJIS celebrated International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and joy, emphasizing the spiritual and physical power that yoga brings to our lives.
The Essence of International Yoga Day
The practice of yoga dates back thousands of years in India, and it has since transcended boundaries, becoming a global movement for physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual balance. International Yoga Day, proposed by India and endorsed by the United Nations in 2014, is now celebrated worldwide to promote a deeper understanding of the health benefits of yoga. It serves as a reminder that yoga not only enhances physical health but also offers mental peace, stress relief, and emotional stability.
At TJIS, we take this day as an opportunity to introduce students to the profound benefits of yoga, instilling in them the values of mindfulness, discipline, and balance. Our celebration of Yoga Day 2024 was no different, filled with enthusiasm, positive energy, and the joy of practicing this ancient discipline together as a community.
A Joyful Celebration of Yoga at TJIS
The International Yoga Day celebration at TJIS began with a lively atmosphere. Students, teachers, and staff members came together to participate in this enriching event. The joyful formal program kicked off at 10:30 AM, with eager participants ready to engage in a rejuvenating yoga session. Under the expert guidance of Shri Srikanth Reddy, our respected yoga teacher, students were introduced to the powerful and therapeutic benefits of yoga.
The yoga session involved performing nine key asanas (yoga postures), carefully selected to target different parts of the body, promote relaxation, and improve concentration. These asanas were grouped into three categories, based on the posture of the body: standing, sitting, and lying down.
The Asanas Performed by Students
1. Standing Asanas
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Known as the foundation for all standing poses, Tadasana helps improve posture, balance, and self-awareness. It stretches the spine, relieves tension, and brings calmness to the mind.
- Konasana (Angle Pose): This pose involves bending the body to the side, stretching the spine and improving flexibility. Konasana is particularly beneficial for strengthening the abdominal muscles and relieving back pain.
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): A vital standing posture, Trikonasana enhances balance and stability. It also stretches the legs, hips, and torso, improving flexibility and digestion while reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Sitting Asanas
- Sulabh Padmasana (Easy Lotus Pose): This variation of Padmasana is easier to perform and serves as a great introduction to meditation. It promotes calmness, mental clarity, and inner peace.
- Butterfly Asana (Baddha Konasana): A hip-opening posture, Butterfly Asana is excellent for relieving tension in the lower back and thighs. It also helps improve digestion and alleviate menstrual discomfort in women.
- Nishpanda Bhavasana (Motionless State Pose): This meditative pose encourages stillness and mindfulness, helping students focus their attention and release stress. It plays a key role in calming the nervous system.
3. Lying on Spine Asanas
- Shanti Asana (Peaceful Pose): True to its name, Shanti Asana promotes relaxation and mental peace. It is often practiced at the end of a yoga session to absorb the benefits of the practice and attain tranquility.
- Tan Asana (Stretching Pose): Tan Asana involves lying down and stretching the arms and legs to their full length, relieving any tension in the muscles and promoting flexibility.
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): This restorative pose gently stretches the back and hips, relieving tension and fatigue. It is an excellent pose for relaxation and helps ease anxiety and stress.
Under the guidance of Shri Srikanth Reddy, students performed each asana with focus and precision, learning how to synchronize their breathing with their movements. The session was not just about physical exercise but also about understanding the mind-body connection that yoga fosters. Students were encouraged to concentrate on their breath, focus inward, and remain present in the moment—a lesson that extends beyond the yoga mat into their daily lives.
Free Aerobic Exercise: A Fun Addition
To add an element of fun and energy to the event, the session concluded with a free Aerobic Exercise – Warm-Up Dance under the supervision of Shri Shiva, our skilled dance teacher. This exciting activity allowed students to loosen up, enjoy rhythmic movements, and engage in a light cardio workout that further energized them after the calming yoga session.
A Message from Our Principal
Our beloved Principal Madam delivered a powerful concluding speech that tied together the core message of the day. She emphasized how yoga plays a crucial role in students’ lives by not only promoting physical fitness but also improving their concentration and focus. “Yoga,” she explained, “is a practice that can help students manage stress, anxiety, and even common health issues such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. It equips students with the mental clarity and calmness required to excel in their studies and personal life.”
Principal Madam also reminded students that yoga is a lifelong practice, and by embracing it at a young age, they are setting themselves up for a healthier, more balanced future. Her words resonated with both students and faculty, reinforcing the idea that yoga is much more than a physical workout—it is a way of life that can bring balance to both body and mind.
Gratitude and Closing Remarks
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Nurul Islam Mullick proposed a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the program. Special thanks were extended to Shri Srikanth Reddy for his excellent guidance during the yoga session and to Shri Shiva for leading the aerobic exercise. Dr. Mullick also acknowledged the enthusiasm of the students and the support of the teachers and staff, without whom this celebration wouldn’t have been as vibrant and successful.
The Importance of Yoga in Our Lives
Yoga has become an essential practice in today’s fast-paced world, where mental and physical health challenges are prevalent. The celebration of International Yoga Day serves as a reminder to integrate yoga into our daily routines. From improving posture and flexibility to enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance, yoga offers countless benefits that can positively impact all aspects of life.
At TJIS, we are proud to introduce our students to the incredible benefits of yoga and look forward to continuing this tradition every year. As we celebrate International Yoga Day, let us remember that yoga is not just a practice for the day—it is a way of life that nurtures our well-being, mindfulness, and inner peace.
With warm regards,
TJIS Principal