Punjab Newsline, Bathinda-
The Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CU Punjab), celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm by organizing a mass yoga session on campus. This celebration of India’s ancient yoga tradition served as a powerful example of health awareness, discipline, and collective participation. The event was coordinated by the Department of Physical Education under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari and witnessed the participation of around 290 individuals, including university students, faculty, non-teaching staff, and students from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasized the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental sustainability.
The event was graced by Shri Srinivas Murthy, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he underlined the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life for holistic health. Special Guests Sardar Karamjeet Singh, Pradhan, Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, and Shri Gopal Soni Ji also shared their insights, highlighting yoga's spiritual and cultural significance.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari extended his warm wishes on the occasion of International Yoga Day. He described yoga as a timeless gift from India’s knowledge tradition, and a comprehensive tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Reflecting on the global relevance of yoga, he remarked, “In a world grappling with conflicts, ancient Bharatiya wisdom offers a path to peace.” He emphasized that yoga goes beyond physical exercise, fostering inner harmony and offering powerful tools for conflict resolution at the individual, societal, and global levels.
The celebration featured the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of Ayush, followed by a brief meditation session. Participants engaged in various yogic practices—Yogasanas, Kapalabhati, Pranayama, Dhyana, and other meditation-based exercises—with discipline and enthusiasm.
Students from the Department of Physical Education led the session with an exemplary stage demonstration of yogic practices, which was followed by all participants.
Towards the conclusion of the event, Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar, delivered the formal vote of thanks.
Following the yoga session, a plantation drive was organized on campus as a symbol of harmony with nature. Faculty members, staff, and students participated actively by planting saplings, reinforcing the message of environmental consciousness alongside physical and mental wellness.