By Cl. Ethan Fortes, Ms Neelam Rodrigues, and Mr Nitin Pawar for BISMumbai

International Yoga Day was celebrated all across the institutions of the Salesian Province of Bombay on 21 June 2023. This event is a reminder of the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of the ancient Indian practice of yoga.

Don Bosco Vyawasik Prashikshan Kendra, Chinchwad, organised a small practical session for their students. Mr Nilesh Chandgude, the Principal, introduced the students to the benefits of yoga and how it helps one become a better person. He spoke of how yoga has now become a mode of exercise practised internationally. Mr Chandgude mentioned that yoga also helps promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. He further emphasised that yoga offers a unique blend of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, which work together to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit. By integrating yoga into their daily lives, students could experience improved concentration, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall vitality. Mr Gajanan Panchal, a certified yoga trainer and an instructor at the institute, guided the students through a few basic yoga exercises. He also introduced them to the practice of controlled breathing when doing yoga. Some of the basic exercises taught were to help the boys gain better mobility and control of the various body muscles. 

Don Bosco High School, Borivli, celebrated the event with great enthusiasm, organising a special activity for students from the 5th to the 10th grade. In small batches, the classes were taken to the open lobby, where they had the privilege of having Mr Aniket Pawar, a volunteer yoga instructor, present among them. Mr Pawar demonstrated simple asanas for the students, who eagerly emulated his postures. Additionally, the sports teacher, Mrs Alexinha Joseph, also showcased various yoga postures to the 9th and 10th-grade students. Throughout the session, the instructor explained the benefits of each posture while the children followed the instructions. Meanwhile, the junior college also commemorated the occasion with its own activity. In addition to a talk on the importance of yoga, a chart-making competition was organised for the 12th grade students. Many students enthusiastically participated in the competition, showcasing their creativity and engagement with the theme.

Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Nashik, embraced the spirit of International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and reverence, aiming to promote unity and peace under the theme ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakum’. Guided by the Principal, Fr Cedric Sankul, the students wholeheartedly embraced the essence of yoga and its profound impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The event commenced with a vibrant and energetic yoga session led by the instructors Mr Santosh Lahane and Mr Satish Kamble. With dedication and commitment, the students performed a range of asanas, including Surya Namaskar, Padmasana, Sarvangasana, Makarasana, Tadasana, Pranayama, and meditation exercises. The theme ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakum’ resonated strongly, reminding everyone of the ancient Indian philosophy of a global family. The young enthusiasts were encouraged to propagate the message of yoga, spreading its benefits to every household and fostering unity and harmony in today's world.