On 21 June 2023, NPSI Mysore celebrated the International Yoga Day in its school premises. This day celebrates the ancient knowledge and spiritual practice of yoga. In 2014, the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi proposed the idea of observing this day on June 21 during his address to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly. The theme for International Day of Yoga 2023 was ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘Yoga for the Welfare of All, as one world-one family’. Yoga involves self-awareness, meditation and chanting. Practicing yoga has some very notable benefits like improved mental health, improved flexibility, reduced stress, improved quality of life, prevention from aches and pains, boosted heart health, strengthened bones and joints and prevention of diseases.

This event at school started off with an astounding yoga performance by the students of grades 1 to 8, 10 and 11 which showcased various yoga asanas and formations, including the surya namaskara. As a yoga enthusiast who has practiced yoga since the age of 4 our alumni, Aajna Shetty Bharatha was invited as a guest, to demonstrated and guide the entire school on doing various yoga asanas. All students of grade 1 to 12 enthusiastically participated by following the instructions given by Ms. Aajna and performed sethu bandhasana, which helps strengthen the neck, chest, spine and hips, parshvastasana which helps boost energy in the body, vajrasana which helps keep the mind calm and stable, pranayama which helps decrease stress and improve sleep quality, trikonasana which helps stimulate organs and stretch and lengthen one’s spine and many other asanas.

The event concluded with an inspiring speech by the principal Ms. Akhila Dinesh. She emphasised on the importance of yoga and expressed pride in the fact that yoga has its roots in our motherland. The principal motivated all to practise yoga everyday to keep fit and stay healthy.