March 13, 2024, marked the commencement of the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024 with a grand celebration at Vigyan Bhawan. The theme of this year's event, "Yoga for Women Empowerment," set the stage for a focused discussion on the crucial role of yoga in enhancing the well-being of women worldwide.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, highlighted the significance of Yoga Mahotsav 2024 as a platform to propel yoga into a global movement, with a special emphasis on women's well-being. He emphasized that yoga serves as a comprehensive instrument for empowering women, addressing not only their physical health but also their mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
The Ministry has been actively supporting research on various conditions affecting women, such as PCOS/PCOD and stress management, to promote evidence-based approaches to women's health. Empowered women, Kotecha noted, play crucial role as leaders, educators, and advocates for change, fostering inclusivity and diversity across society.
Insights from Yoga Experts
During the event, notable figures in the field of yoga shared their insights on the transformative power of this ancient practice. Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva, Director of The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, highlighted that a balanced state of mind is the essence of yoga. She stressed the enduring value of good actions and the importance of cultivating deeper awareness of oneself and others through yoga.
Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor of SVYASA University, Bengaluru, underscored yoga as a science of holistic living. He highlighted its potential to address modern lifestyle disorders and non-communicable diseases, advocating for the integration of Ayush healthcare, particularly yoga, into daily life.
The event also showcased recent milestones achieved in the field of yoga, with a focus on leveraging digital technology to enhance accessibility. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) launched upgraded IT assets, including the Ayush Yoga Portal, MDNIY website, and Namaste Yoga & Y-Break App. These resources, available in bilingual mode, offer personalized yoga routines, progress tracking, and meditation sessions, catering to a diverse audience.
One-day Yoga Mahotsav-2024 featured a range of activities, including theme-based technical sessions and panel discussions on empowering women's health through yoga. The event brought together leading yoga organizations, gurus, and Ayush stakeholders, reaffirming their commitment to maximizing the reach and impact of yoga worldwide.
In attendance were prominent dignitaries including Joint Secretary of Ayush, Smt. Kavita Garg, and Chairman of the National Commission of Homoeopathy, Dr. Anil Khurana, among others. Director of MDNIY, Smt. Vijaylakshmi Bhardwaj, extended a warm welcome to all attendees.
