What was the significance of International Yoga Day at NIFT Gandhinagar on June 21, 2023? The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar marked the 11th International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm, aligning with the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. The event took place at the NIFT campus in Gandhinagar, bringing together about 100 participants including students, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests from Ahmedabad’s Regional Textile Commissioner and the Central Silk Board.
What Is International Yoga Day and Its Purpose?
International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to raise global awareness of yoga’s holistic benefits for physical, mental, and environmental well-being. This day promotes a holistic approach to health that integrates body, mind, and environment, which was highlighted this year by the theme focusing on planetary health and sustainability. NIFT Gandhinagar’s event emphasized these principles by encouraging participants to adopt yoga not only for personal health but also as a step towards ecological balance.
What Were the Key Dates and Schedule of the Event?
The event commenced at 7:00 AM on June 21, 2023, starting with a yoga pledge led by Acting Joint Director Professor Dr. Pranav Vora. The pledge underscored the institute’s dedication to holistic health and environmental conservation. Following the pledge, Dr. Hitendra Solanki conducted a comprehensive one-hour guided yoga session, incorporating Vedic mantras, basic asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Post the yoga session, a tree plantation drive was held on campus grounds, symbolizing the commitment to environmental sustainability. The entire programme concluded by 10:00 AM.
How Can One Register or Participate in Future International Yoga Day Events at NIFT Gandhinagar?
- Visit the official NIFT Gandhinagar website or contact the institute’s Student Affairs Office at the campus located on Sector 15 C, Gandhinagar.
- Stay updated through the Ministry of Ayush’s official portal MyGov International Yoga Day Campaign for registration details and access to digital resources.
- Download the Namaste Yoga mobile app available on Android and iOS platforms to register for sessions and receive personalized yoga schedules.
- Participate in workshops or awareness sessions conducted by NIFT annually around June 21.
- Engage with local community groups in Gandhinagar that collaborate with NIFT for public yoga events.
What Activities and Highlights Did the Event Feature?
The event included multiple highlights designed to deepen participant engagement. Besides the yoga pledge and one-hour guided session, participants received printed Common Yoga Protocol booklets in Gujarati and Hindi to encourage continuous practice. The campus was adorned with thematic banners and posters emphasizing yoga’s link to environmental health. Special T-shirts featuring the 2023 theme were distributed to all attendees. The tree plantation drive saw the planting of over 25 native saplings on campus, reinforcing sustainability efforts. Additionally, resources in 22 Indian languages were shared via the yoga portal, ensuring inclusivity across diverse linguistic groups in Gujarat.
Why Should Residents of Gandhinagar and Surrounding Districts Participate in International Yoga Day?
Participation in International Yoga Day offers multiple benefits for individuals and the community. For students and professionals at NIFT Gandhinagar and nearby districts such as Ahmedabad and Mehsana, yoga enhances physical fitness, mental clarity, and stress management—a vital advantage in the competitive educational and industrial environment. The event also promotes environmental stewardship through activities like tree planting, aligning with Gujarat’s broader sustainability goals. Engaging in such community events fosters social unity and supports public health initiatives led by the Ministry of Ayush and local government bodies.
Moreover, the availability of resources in regional languages and digital platforms like MyGov and Namaste Yoga app facilitates easy access and ongoing practice beyond the event day. NIFT Gandhinagar’s commitment to integrating yoga with environmental consciousness sets a benchmark for other institutions across Gujarat.
For more comprehensive details on International Yoga Day celebrations across Gujarat, including other events in Gandhinagar, readers can consult official government websites and local news portals.
Official Resources: For further information and registration related to International Yoga Day, contact the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, at the Ayush Helpline: 1800-11-2683 or visit https://ayush.gov.in/. The NIFT Gandhinagar Student Affairs Office is reachable at +91 79 232 26000, Sector 15 C, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.