Across the world, International Yoga Day (IYD) is celebrated on June 21st every year. It coincides with the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special meaning in many parts of the world. The theme of IYD 2023 is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which beautifully captures our shared aspiration for “One Earth, One Family, and One Future.” The Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal, observed IYD 2023 on June 16, 2023, at B M English Medium School Parkala from 11.00 am - 12.30 pm. The target audience was upper primary school students and the program emphasized the theme of meeting SDG three and sixteen i.e. good health and well-being and peace, justice, and strong institutions respectively.
During the inaugural function, Mrs. Vinaya Saroja Kumari, President of B M Education Society, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of Yoga in day-to-day life. Dr. Soumya Christabel, Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, MCON Manipal, welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Melita Sheilini, Assistant Professor-Selection grade, MCON Manipal, addressed the students regarding the significance of yoga with a short story. Mrs. Sumalatha, Principal, B M English Medium School, Mrs. Sarojini, Principal, B M Primary School and Mr. Narayanan, Physical Education teacher, B M English Medium School, graced the inaugural function with their presence.
Following the inaugural function, Dr. Kshama K, Junior Research Fellow, DST-SATYAM funded Project, MCON Manipal, sensitized the students regarding the importance of yoga as one of the most trusted methods of improving physical and mental health. Following the session, she also demonstrated basic yoga asanas, especially those to improve the concentration and memory of the students. A total of 48 students and eight faculty members attended the session. The program concluded with the distribution of peanut bars to the students. Mr. Anil Raj, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Medical-Surgical Nursing, coordinated the program.