Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The 11th International Yoga Day was grandly organized under the banner of Yog Abhyas Sansthan at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, under the leadership of Dr. Seema Kapil Sethi, following the Government of India's theme — “One Earth, One Health.” Many members of the institution participated enthusiastically on this occasion.
The program commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and offering prayers. Leading female members of the institution — Chandni Sharma, Neerja Mahajan, Sharmila Sharma, Usha Shishta, Kanika Goyal, Manju, Ranjit Gupta, and others — lit the lamp. Afterwards, a devotional song 'Lekar Tera Naam Prabhu, Karte Hain Hum Aaj Ka Kaam Prabhu' was sung, marking a spiritual start to the day filled with divine energy and an ethereal fragrance.
Subsequently, senior member Vijay Pal (Retired DSP) formally inaugurated the program with his auspicious words and the pure recitation of the Gayatri Mantra.
The yoga session then began under the expert guidance of Dr. Seema Kapil Sethi. She started with neuro-exercises focusing especially on movements related to the cervical spine, knees, and ankles.
This was followed by 2–3 rounds of Surya Namaskar. Then, while lying on the stomach and back, participants were guided through Vrikshasana, Tadasana, Makarasana, Halasana, and other key asanas in alignment with the theme “One Earth, One Health.”
In the final phase of the session, pranayama practices were conducted, including Kapalbhati, Anulom-Vilom, Sheetali, and Bhramari. Dr. Sethi demonstrated three types of 'OM' chanting and guided the participants in correct techniques.
Dr. Seema Kapil Sethi shared that for the past three years, she has been leading regular yoga and pranayama sessions every morning at 5:30 AM at the boating point of Sukhna Lake under the banner of Yog Abhyas Sansthan.
She highlighted the presence of a sacred Triveni tree (a union of Peepal, Neem, and Banyan trees) at the yoga site. This tree emits oxygen round the clock and thrives naturally due to its proximity to the lake, enhancing its power and vitality.
She also explained that the human body is composed of five elements — water, air, fire, earth, and space — all of which are abundantly present at this yoga site. The first rays of the sun fall directly at this location, providing practitioners with pure energy to remain healthy and active throughout the day.
She appealed to the residents of Chandigarh to practice yoga daily for a healthy, balanced, and energetic life.
The program concluded with a Shanti Path (peace invocation) recited by Dr. Sethi, bringing a spiritual close to the celebration.At the end, the General Secretary of Yog Abhyas Sansthan, Mr. Randhir Singh Saroha, honored sanitation workers at Sukhna Lake — Sukhbir Singh, Mange Ram, and gardener Sonu — with a T-shirt and 500 each. He acknowledged that their diligent efforts help maintain the lake’s cleanliness, beauty, and greenery.
Mr. Randhir Singh Saroha extended heartfelt thanks to all yoga practitioners present and expressed deep gratitude to everyone for making the event a beautiful and successful celebration.