International Day of Yoga observed at IIT Hyderabad
Hyderabad, 23rd June 2017: Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad observed the 3rd International Day of Yoga with a one-week international yoga camp. The faculty, staff and students participated in this camp, which was held from 16th – 21st June 2017 in order to spread the awareness of the benefits of yoga.
The yoga camp was inaugurated Prof. U.B. Desai, Director, IIT Hyderabad, by the traditional lighting of lamp in the presence of Prof. Prem Pal, Associate Dean (Students), IIT Hyderabad, Prof. Vinod Janardan, Associate Dean (International and Alumni Relations), IIT Hyderabad , Prof. P Rajalakshmi, Warden (girl’s hostel), IIT Hyderabad and Mr. Venkat Rao, Joint Registrar, IIT Hyderabad.
Addressing the event, Prof. U.B Desai explained the importance and the need for yoga in today’s world. He stressed not only the health benefits of yoga but also on how it can contribute to the well-being of the humanity.
The Director’s speech was followed by a presentation on yoga by Mr. Sasanka Mouli, yoga instructor, who explained the fundamentals of yoga, its history, various components, different ‘asanas’ and their health benefits. The event concluded with a session on meditation.
Yoga practice sessions of one-hour duration were conducted in the mornings in natural environment during this week-long celebration under the supervision of yoga instructors Mr. Sasanka Mouli, Mr. Ram Vaishya, Mr. Shekhar Nayak, Mr. Nagabhushan Eswara, Mr. K.P. Bhargav Kumar, Mr. T Satyanarayana, Akbar and Mr. Vikram Pratap Singh.
Speaking about the Yoga Camp, Prof. Prem Pal, Associate Dean Students, IIT Hyderabad said “We celebrate International Day of Yoga every year with great enthusiasm and passion. A week-long Yoga camp is organized to spread awareness and to experience the bliss of Yoga”.
The yoga sessions began with a small prayer followed by warm up practices. Surya Namaskar was performed along with other asanas including standing, sitting, prone and supine postures. They included Shankha Prakshalana steps including Tadasana. Other asanas include of Sukhasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, Paschimottanasana, Pawan Muktasana, Sarvangasana. Pranayama session included Bhastrika Pranayama, Anulom Vilom, Kapal Bhati, Bhramari Pranayama. A short prayer concluded the camp.