STORY CREDITS

Writer: Vasudha Chatterjee

Photo: Mayur Bhatiya and Diptanka Sekhar De

The IIT Gandhinagar community came together today to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day, emphasizing the importance of yoga in daily life. The event saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 40 members across various disciplines, making it one of the most remarkable gatherings of the year.

The celebrations were held at the illustrious sports complex of the institute, where Dr. Dinesh Parmar, senior physical training instructor, IIT Gandhinagar, inaugurated the proceedings with his opening remarks. Highlighting the significance of yoga in the lives of athletes, Dr. Parmar underscored its necessity for holistic development. His address was followed by a short quiz that raised awareness and served as an exciting energizer early in the morning.

Though today marks the official observance of International Yoga Day, yoga has long been an integral part of IITGN’s cultural fabric. The institute’s active Yoga Club, led by Yoga Instructor Tulsa Pujhari, has done incredible work in promoting the practice within the IITGN community. Spanning various age groups, the club members performed ‘artistic yogasanas’ today, captivating onlookers with their agility and grace.

The session also featured Mr. Hemant Shah, who led participants through a series of asanas designed to enhance physical and emotional well-being. Mr. Shah’s detailed explanations of each asana’s benefits, including those inspired by the animal kingdom, underscored the profound connection between yoga and the natural world. “Simhasana, or the Lion Pose, can act as an excellent stress buster,” said Mr. Shah. “It not only calms your body but also releases the excess tension that you may not even be aware of,” he added.

The closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Abhijit Mishra, Faculty Incharge of Sports at IITGN, who delineated the significance of yoga for academicians. “Keeping our phones away, we should practice some form of pranayam every day. It gives one clarity and helps in attaining a calm that is very important for research,” he said. At a time when cell phones have become an inseparable part of our lives, today’s celebrations offered a refreshing response to digital anxieties, reminding everyone of the possibility of a healthier lifestyle propelled by yoga.

About IITGN: IIT Gandhinagar (IITGN), founded in 2008 and located in Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, offers a distinctive undergraduate and graduate education with innovative curricula that emphasize critical thinking, interdisciplinary knowledge, and a liberal arts approach. The institute’s student-centric philosophy fosters a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment, promoting project-oriented learning, compulsory design and life sciences courses, and global diversity. IITGN’s five-week Foundation Programme for new undergraduates earned the World Education Award 2013 for innovations in engineering education. Over 40% of students gain international study experience, reflecting IITGN’s commitment to excellence in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences. As India’s first 5-star GRIHA LD (Green) campus and the first 5-star campus for food safety and healthy eating, IITGN also upholds exemplary safety standards for its construction workforce, with practices recommended by the IIT Council for adoption across all IITs. To know more please visit https://www.iitgn.ac.in