On June 21, 2022, MI Training College celebrated International Yoga Day through an online event conducted via Google Meet, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event, named “Samathva,” commenced at 9:45 AM and featured a series of activities and addresses aimed at promoting the importance of yoga and well-being, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.

The event began with a tranquil prayer led by Anaswara A.P., setting a peaceful and focused tone for the day’s proceedings

  1. Welcome Speech: Muffeda R. from Social Science Department delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, greeting all attendees and highlighting the importance of observing International Yoga Day to promote physical and mental health.
  2. Presidential Address: Safvan, Assistant Professor in the Physical Education Department, delivered the presidential address. He spoke about the significance of yoga in maintaining overall wellness and encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily lives to cope with the stress and anxiety brought about by the pandemic.
  3. Chief Guest Address: The chief guest, Mohammed Azeez VK, shared insightful thoughts on the global impact of yoga and its historical significance. He emphasized the relevance of yoga during the pandemic, as it provides tools for mental peace and physical health.
  4. Felicitation: Muhammed Shareef N.M. and Silva P. offered felicitations, appreciating the efforts of the organizers and the active participation of students and faculty members. Their words of encouragement reinforced the importance of community and support during these times.
  5. Vote of Thanks: Jayasree M. from English Department concluded the formal addresses with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and organizers for their contributions to the successful event.

Seminar Presentation

Shafeeka K.P. conducted an informative seminar presentation on “The Role of Yoga During COVID-19.” She discussed how yoga can be a powerful tool in managing the physical and mental health challenges posed by the pandemic. Shafeeka detailed various yoga practices that boost immunity, reduce stress, and enhance respiratory health, providing practical demonstrations that participants could follow from home.

Competitions and Activities

To engage participants further and promote a spirit of fun and learning, a series of competitions were held online:

  1. Speech Competition: Participants delivered speeches on the benefits of yoga, demonstrating their understanding and personal experiences with yoga.
  2. Quiz: An interactive quiz tested participants’ knowledge of yoga, its history, and its practices, fostering a sense of friendly competition.
  3. Picture Identification: Participants identified various yoga poses from images, encouraging them to familiarize themselves with different asanas.
  4. Drawing Competition: Students expressed their creativity through drawings depicting yoga and wellness themes.
  5. Slogan Making: This competition invited participants to create impactful slogans promoting the practice of yoga.
  6. Family Photo Contest: Families were encouraged to submit photos of themselves performing yoga together, promoting the idea of yoga as a family activity and enhancing community spirit.
  7. Spelling Bee: Conducted online, this competition focused on words related to yoga and health, enhancing participants’ vocabulary and spelling skills.

Conclusion

The International Yoga Day celebration at MI Training College was a resounding success, thanks to the seamless organization and enthusiastic participation from students and faculty. The event effectively highlighted the importance of yoga, providing a platform for learning, engagement, and community building, even in an online format. The collective efforts of the organizers and participants ensured that the spirit of International Yoga Day was celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm.

This event not only promoted health and well-being but also strengthened the sense of community within the college during a challenging period. We look forward to continuing this tradition and exploring more innovative ways to celebrate and promote the practice of yoga in the future.

By Ramitha