AMU Celebrates 11th International Day of Yoga with Diverse Events
TNN News : Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with a series of vibrant events held across its departments, halls of residence, schools, and centres, reflecting a deep commitment to physical and mental well-being under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
The University Games Committee celebrated International Yoga Day 2025 as “Yoga Sangam” with grandeur and enthusiasm. Hundreds of yoga practitioners including faculty members, staff, students, and local residents participated in the event, which commenced with a multilingual yoga prayer in Sanskrit, Arabic, and Hindi. Attendees keenly listened to the live online address by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
This was the first large-scale Yoga Day celebration organized under the aegis of the Games Committee. The event was inaugurated symbolically by jointly releasing balloons attached to a placard reading “International Yoga Day 2025” by Prof. Syed Amjad Ali Rizvi (Secretary, Games Committee), Prof. Moinuddin (EC Member, AMU), Prof. F.S. Sherani (former Dean, Unani Medicine), Prof. Shakeel Ahmad (MIC Property), and a number of senior faculty members.
A highlight of the programme was a remarkable 10-minute headstand demonstration by 68-year-old retired AMU employee Iqbal Ahmad in tribute to the Prime Minister. The yoga demonstration session was conducted by yoga expert Hamid Ali, while gym instructor Mazharul Qamar provided detailed explanations of each asana, its benefits, and precautions. Participants also pledged to adopt yoga as a regular practice for a healthier lifestyle.
At the Dr. Z. A. Dental College, the celebrations were held in the Conference Hall, where Prof. Anshul Agarwal led yoga exercises for faculty members, postgraduate students, and non-teaching staff. The event was inaugurated by Prof. R. K. Tewari, who spoke on the holistic benefits of yoga, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. N. D. Gupta.
The Department of Modern Indian Languages hosted a well-attended session titled “Yoga Sangam,” emphasizing yoga as a practice of mindfulness and balance. Participants appreciated the presentation on integrating yoga into modern lifestyles for improved physical and emotional well-being.
The Department of Urdu also celebrated the occasion with reflections by Prof. Quamrul Hooda Faridi, Chairperson, and Prof. Zia Ur Rahman Siddiqui, who underlined yoga’s role in enhancing mental clarity, self-confidence, and stress reduction. Faculty, scholars, and students participated actively in the session.
At STS School (Minto Circle), the event was graced by Prof. Qudsiya Tahseen, Acting Director, Directorate of School Education. The live address by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was broadcast for the students and staff. The yoga session was guided by Mr. Mohd Adnan Khan and yoga expert Mr. Altaf.
The AMU Kishanganj Centre observed the day with participation from local communities and staff. Prof. Ishrat Alam, Director, addressed the gathering online, highlighting yoga’s role in promoting awareness and balance in life. Yoga expert Mr. Rajiv Ram conducted a session covering asanas such as Pranayama and Kapalbhati.
At the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), JNMC, yoga sessions were conducted for staff, interns, and residents by Mr. Danish, a trained yoga instructor and MSW scholar. The programme emphasized the preventive and therapeutic benefits of yoga in community medicine.
Sir Ziauddin Hall observed the occasion with a morning yoga session under the supervision of Provost Dr. Iftekhar Ahmad Ansari and Warden Dr. Adil Ghaznavi. The event focused on encouraging students to embrace yoga for overall well-being.
Abdullah Hall began its programme with a live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address, followed by yoga demonstrations led by Ms. Shraddha Tiwari and Ms. Afreen Naeem. Provost Dr. Sheeba Jilani and several faculty members spoke about yoga’s importance in daily life.
At Indira Gandhi Hall, a detailed yoga session was held under the guidance of Provost Prof. Shaukat Haseen and Nodal Officer Dr. Sumbul Rehman. The event featured demonstrations of various asanas by Dr. Aisha Razi and Ms. Rida Nayla and concluded with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem.
The NSS Unit of AMU also celebrated the day with enthusiasm. Mr. Mohd Nasim, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bulandshahr, was the chief guest and spoke about yoga’s universal value. Programme Coordinator Dr. Mohd Mohsin, along with other faculty members and students, took part in yoga activities organized on the NSS lawns.
In addition to the aforementioned venues, several other departments, centres, and schools of AMU also held yoga sessions, workshops, and awareness programmes to mark the occasion, ensuring widespread participation across the university.
The university-wide celebration reflected AMU’s dedication to promoting holistic health, self-discipline, and mindfulness among its students, faculty, and staff.
