The 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Yenepoya Deemed to be University (YDU), Deralakatte, on 21st June 2026. The event was jointly organized by Yenepoya Naturopathy and Yogic Science College and Hospital (YNYSCH) in association with Yenepoya Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital (YAMCH), Yenepoya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital (YHMCH), and the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit I. Held at the Yendurance Zone, the programme witnessed the active
participation of over 350 students, faculty members, healthcare professionals,and invited guests.
The celebrations commenced at 8:45 a.m. with the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, which was led by Dr. Vinaya Kumar T. During the session, participants enthusiastically performed various yogic practices in accordance with the prescribed protocol. The session emphasized the importance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional balance, and healthy ageing. The mass yoga practice was followed by vibrant Yoga Nrityam performances by the students, adding a cultural dimension to the event.
The formal function began at 10:00 a.m. with an invocation. Dr. Sangeethalaxmi, Associate Professor, delivered the welcome address and
warmly welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, students, and guests. The ceremonial lamp was then lit by the dignitaries, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge, wisdom, and well-being.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Shyamarraj Nidugala, a renowned national and international wellness consultant, addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of yoga as a holistic approach to health promotion, disease prevention, and healthy ageing. He emphasized that regular yoga practice fosters physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well- being.
Dr. Soumya, Professor, presented a report on the various activities conducted as part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations. The report highlighted awareness programmes, competitions, and outreach initiatives organized for students and the community. This was followed by a prize distribution ceremony honouring the winners of the competitions conducted in connection with the Yoga Day celebrations. The dignitaries congratulated the awardees and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of all contestants.
The gathering was further addressed by Dr. Puneeth Raghavendra K. R., Principal, YNYSCH, and Dr. Vijayendra V. Itagi, Principal, YHMCH. In their addresses, they underscored the g rowing importance of yoga in preventive, promotive, and integrative healthcare and encouraged students and healthcare professionals to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice for achieving holistic health and wellness. The occasion was also graced by Dr. Ashwini Shetty, NSS Programme Coordinator, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and Dr. Veeraj Hegde, Head of the Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, Yenepoya Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, whose presence added further significance to the
celebration.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Aswini Dutt R., Registrar,Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). He reaffirmed the University’s
commitment to advancing holistic health, wellness, and traditional systems of -medicine through education, research, and community outreach initiatives.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Arpith, Lecturer-cum-RMO, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, organizers, faculty members, students, volunteers, and participants for their valuable contributions to the success of the event. The programme ended with the National Anthem. The celebration served as a meaningful reminder of yoga’s transformative role
in fostering a healthier, happier, and more harmonious society while reinforcing the message of this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
