- International Yoga Day celebration highlights the power of daily practice in building healthier minds and bodies
- Award-winning yoga expert Hemlata Patel leads participants through the Common Yoga Protocol
- Children’s performance and advanced asana demonstrations inspire a multi-generational embrace of yoga
NE HEALTH BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JUNE 21
Emphasising that yoga is not merely an exercise but a lifelong companion for health and happiness, NIFT Gandhinagar celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with enthusiasm and active participation from students, faculty members, staff and invited guests.
Held under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, the programme reflected this year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” (स्वस्थ आयु के लिए योग), which underscores the importance of preventive healthcare, active living and holistic well-being at every stage of life.
As societies worldwide grapple with lifestyle-related ailments and rising health concerns, the focus is increasingly shifting from merely extending lifespan to enhancing health span. The celebration at NIFT Gandhinagar echoed this vision by promoting yoga as a sustainable pathway to physical fitness, mental wellness and a balanced lifestyle.
The yoga session was conducted by Hemlata Patel, Senior Yoga Teacher and recipient of the Gujarat State Yogini Award 2026 and Best Yoga Coordinator of Gujarat State Award 2024. Following the Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Government of India, she guided participants through a series of asanas, breathing exercises and mindfulness practices aimed at improving overall well-being.
Currently serving as a Yoga Guru at the Ayush Health and Wellness Centre, Gandhinagar, and Vice President of the Yogini Association of Gujarat, Hemlata Patel encouraged participants to integrate yoga into their daily routines and experience its long-term benefits.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the programme was a yoga presentation by children from Sarjan Foundation, Gandhinagar, under the guidance of Hemlata Patel and her team member Jigar Solanki. Their disciplined performance highlighted how introducing yoga at an early age can help nurture healthy habits, concentration and emotional resilience.
Adding to the inspiration, participants from Yoga Studio, Gandhinagar demonstrated a variety of yoga postures, while Neha Thakkar, Physical Education and Bhagavad Gita Teacher from Surat, captivated the audience with an impressive display of advanced yoga asanas. Her remarkable flexibility, balance and mastery of complex postures showcased the transformative potential of sustained yoga practice.
The event also reinforced the spirit of Yoga 365, encouraging individuals to make yoga an integral part of everyday life rather than limiting it to an annual observance. Through mass participation, awareness and community engagement, the programme aligned with the nationwide mission of promoting wellness and healthy living.
On the occasion, Dr. Sameer Sood felicitated instructors, performers and child participants from Sarjan Foundation in recognition of their enthusiasm and contribution to spreading the message of yoga across generations.
Through initiatives such as these, NIFT Gandhinagar continues to foster a culture of holistic development, encouraging students and the wider academic community to embrace yoga as a way of life and a foundation for lifelong health.
