AMU Marks 11th International Yoga Day with Grand Celebrations Spanning 25 Venues and 1097th Day of Ongoing Akhanda Yoga
TNN News : Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) observed the 11th International Day of Yoga with remarkable enthusiasm and a university-wide commitment to wellness, organizing events at 25 venues across the main campus in Aligarh and its centres in Kishanganj (Bihar), Malappuram (Kerala), and Murshidabad (West Bengal). The central celebration, held at the lawns of the Department of Physical Education, was led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Naima Khatoon, who participated alongside students, faculty members, staff, and yoga enthusiasts in a 45-minute yoga session guided by expert instructors.
The global observance of Yoga Day, introduced by the United Nations at India’s initiative, is being marked this year under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, under whose vision Yoga Day has become a worldwide movement for wellness, inaugurated the national celebration in Visakhapatnam today. AMU’s participation is aligned with this nationwide effort, guided by the Common Yoga Protocol of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
The event at AMU commenced at 6:30 am in sync with the national schedule, where the entire AMU fraternity participated in the national event online. University students and teachers appreciated the message of “Heal in India” in the speech delivered by the Prime Minister in the programme organised at Vishakhapatnam on the 11th International Day of Yoga.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon underlined that yoga is not just an activity but a way of life—one that connects the classroom with the wider community. She praised AMU’s efforts in integrating yoga into its institutional culture, with celebrations extending across 25 venues. Commending the global recognition of yoga, she said, “Yoga transcends religion, race, language, and geography. In yoga, the world has found a universal language of well-being.”
Reflecting on India’s leadership in promoting yoga on the world stage, she acknowledged the vision of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, whose global advocacy led to the UN declaration of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. She emphasized that India’s ancient traditions, including yoga, offer profound tools to address modern challenges.
Highlighting AMU’s achievements, the Vice Chancellor noted that the Akhanda Yoga initiative at the university has completed 1,097 consecutive days without a break since its launch on June 21, 2022. She shared that AMU has also opened exclusive branches of Akhanda Yoga at Gular Road for women, at Jawahar Park for children under 14, and in the Mahila Vriddh Ashram, ensuring that wellness practices reach every segment of society. She also appreciated the department’s outreach efforts, which include 34 yoga workshops in schools, five national workshops, 10 summer yoga camps, Aqua Yoga sessions, and the Yoga Jyoti initiative for community awareness.
“These are not isolated events,” she said, “but part of our larger belief that yoga is not just about stretching the body—it’s about expanding the soul.” She called on the AMU community to draw from India’s ancient traditions to nurture a conscious, balanced, and harmonious lifestyle.
Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor M. Mohsin Khan has also appreciated the grand celebrations, saying, “AMU’s inclusive and sustained yoga initiatives, spanning age groups and regions, showcase our dedication to holistic education and community well-being.”
Professor S. Tariq Murtaza, Nodal Officer for International Yoga Day at AMU, expressed satisfaction at the scale and spirit of participation. “Yoga at AMU is not confined to symbolic celebrations. We are creating a culture of wellness and community awareness that extends throughout the year. The consistent involvement of faculty, students, and local citizens is proof of the transformative power of this practice,” he said.
The Dean faculty of social sciences and Chairperson, Prof. Ikram Hussain expressed his gratitude on a very successful organising of the event.
The yoga protocol session was conducted by trainers of the Department of Physical Education, Mr. Manoj Kumar and Ms. Zaba, who led the participants through a structured series of postures and breathing techniques.
AMU Registrar Mr Mohammad Imran appreciated the consolidated efforts of all the departments, halls of residence and schools in organizing such a grand celebration. Senior AMU officials, including the Proctor, Professor Mohd Wasim Ali; Finance Officer, Mr. Noorus Salam; Officiating DSW Prof. Shamshad Hussain; University Librarian, Prof. Nishat Fatima; MIC Land and Gardens, Prof. Anwar Shahzad; Member Incharge, Public Relations, Professor Vibha Sharma; CEC Coordinator, Prof. Mohammad Naved Khan; Deputy Proctor, Prof. Iffat Asghar; Prof. Zamirullah Khan, Professor Brij Bhushan Singh, Prof. Rajendra Singh, University Engineer, Prof. Izhar H Farooqi; Dr. Arshad Bari, Dr. Sayed Khurram Nisar, Dr. Naushad Waheed Ansari and many other were present on the occasion. Dr Merajuddin Faridi conducted the programme. Members of civil society, the Patanjali Mahila Samiti, and representatives from various departments joined in the celebration, reflecting the growing popularity and inclusiveness of yoga at AMU.
