Rajgir: Nalanda University celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday with a blend of spiritual reflection and ecological responsibility, echoing this year’s global theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The observance served as a reminder of the deep connection between human well-being and planetary health, principles that resonate with the historic institution’s sustainable academic ethos.
The day began at the University’s Yoga Centre, where students, faculty, and staff—including a diverse cohort of international scholars—gathered for the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address. A collective session followed, where participants performed the common yoga protocol, reinforcing yoga’s universal appeal as a discipline for physical and mental harmony.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sachin Chaturvedi highlighted yoga’s enduring relevance. “Yoga has a rich and ancient tradition that originated in India and spread across civilizations. It is more than a physical practice—it is a cultural and spiritual discipline capable of fostering peace and harmony among societies,” he said. He further announced that Nalanda University will integrate yoga into its regular academic curriculum, embedding it within the institution’s broader scholarly discourse.
In a symbolic extension of this commitment, the university launched a large-scale tree plantation drive on campus. Faculty, staff, and students joined the Vice-Chancellor in planting saplings, reaffirming their shared duty toward ecological stewardship and intergenerational sustainability.
The celebration continues with a two-day intensive yoga workshop, organised in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Patna, and the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger. Led by Yogacharya Yogesh, the sessions encompass Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, mantra chanting, asanas, and Raja Yoga.
