The 9th International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at The Khaitan School on 21st June 2023. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which translates to ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The event took place on the school’s front lawns and witnessed the participation of students, administrative staff, teachers, the Sports department, Heads of school, and the Principal.
Aligned with the common protocol of International Yoga Day (IDY), the objective of the celebration was to create awareness about the holistic nature of yoga and encourage people to incorporate it into their daily lives. The event commenced with the chanting of the Sangachhadhwam mantra, setting a serene and meditative atmosphere.
The participants then engaged in a series of warm-up exercises, focusing on loosening up the neck, shoulders, wrists, trunk, and knees. Standing asanas, including tadasana, trikonasana, padahastasana, and ardha chakrasana, were practiced to improve flexibility and posture. Balancing asanas like tadasana and vrikshasana were performed to enhance concentration and stability.
TThe session continued with various sitting asanas such as vajrasana, ardha ushtrasana, ushtrasana, sasakasana, uttan mandukasana, and vakrasana. These poses aimed to promote relaxation, increase flexibility, and strengthen the core muscles. Moreover, prone and supine position asanas like makarasana, bhujangasana, and shalabhasana were practiced to alleviate shoulder and back strain caused by poor sitting postures.
To conclude the session, participants indulged in shavasana (corpse pose), dhyana (meditation), and Shanti path (chanting of peace prayers). These components are integral to the practice of yoga, as they help calm the mind, rejuvenate the body, and foster a sense of inner peace.
During the event, all students and staff members took the Yoga sankalp (pledge) to incorporate yoga into their daily routines. This collective commitment ensured that the benefits of yoga would extend beyond the celebration itself.
As part of the Yoga Day celebration, students, staff, and parents across the school also participated in various yoga-based activities suggested by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in an online format. These activities included a Yoga Quiz, Theme Discussion, Jingles, and Yoga Pledge registration, fostering a sense of inclusivity and encouraging active participation.
The International Yoga Day event at The Khaitan School was a resounding success, resonating with the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The whole staff participated with great enthusiasm, driven by a common goal of achieving fitness and well-being. The event showcased the unity and harmony that can be achieved through yoga, emphasizing the concept of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
By celebrating International Yoga Day, The Khaitan School demonstrated its commitment to promoting holistic wellness and instilling the practice of yoga in the lives of its students and staff. The event not only provided a platform for physical and mental rejuvenation but also fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and preserving our planet.
In conclusion, the International Yoga Day celebration at The Khaitan School was a remarkable event that brought together the entire school community in the spirit of unity, well-being, and the shared vision of a harmonious world. The school’s commitment to incorporating yoga into daily routines will undoubtedly lead to a healthier, happier, and more mindful community.
