The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated on 20 June 2026 by the Department of Physical Education & Sports, in association with NSS, NCC Army Wing, and NCC Navy Wing, in collaboration with Art of Living, Goa. The programme was organised in the college’s Multipurpose Hall and conducted in two separate sessions for staff and students. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Objectives
- To commemorate the 12th International Yoga Day and promote awareness of the importance of yoga for holistic health and well-being.
- To encourage students and staff to adopt yoga as a regular practice for maintaining physical fitness, mental health, and emotional balance.
- To highlight the role of yoga in promoting healthy ageing and improving quality of life.
- To foster a culture of health, wellness, and mindfulness within the college community.
The staff session was held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and garlanding of the portrait of Lord Damodar. Dr. Ajinkya Kudtarkar, Director of Physical Education & Sports, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life for promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The resource person, Ms. Tanuja Sardessai, Faculty at Art of Living, Goa, conducted an engaging yoga session. Participants practised various asanas, including Ardha Matsyendrasana, Trikonasana, Tadasana, Pavanamuktasana, Paschimottanasana, Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana, Makarasana, and Parvatasana. The session also included pranayama techniques such as Anulom Vilom and Sheetali, followed by a guided meditation and relaxation practice, enabling participants to experience the holistic benefits of yoga.
The Principal presented the resource person with a potted plant as a token of appreciation. Mr. Saurab Raikar proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, the management, and all participants for their enthusiastic involvement.
The programme was successfully coordinated by Dr. Ajinkia Kurtikar, Mr. Saurab Raikar, Lt. Sandesh Gaonkar, Sub. Lt. Pretty Pereira, and Mr. Sanjay Velip.
A total of 67 students and 46 staff members participated in the Yoga Day celebration.
Outcomes
- Participants gained practical knowledge of yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation practices.
- The session enhanced awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of regular yoga practice.
- Students and staff were motivated to incorporate yoga into their daily routines as a preventive and health-promoting lifestyle practice.
The programme strengthened the institution’s commitment to promoting holistic health, wellness, and healthy ageing among its stakeholders.
