The Department of Physical Education & Sports, Office of the Dean, Students’ Welfare, University of Hyderabad, successfully organized the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 celebrations on 21 June 2026 at Gurubaksh Singh Maidan, University of Hyderabad, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

Prof. J Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor i/C, University of Hyderabad was the Chief Guest of the event which was organized under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” and witnessed enthusiastic participation from Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officers, staff, students, research scholars, campus residents, and members of the University community.

The formal session began with the arrival and welcome of the dignitaries, followed by an Invocation Song rendered by the Yoga Instructors. Thereafter, the dignitaries ceremonially lit the traditional lamp, symbolizing the spread of knowledge, health, harmony, and well-being through Yoga.

Dr. A. Siddhartha Anandesi, Assistant Director, Physical Education & Sports, delivered the welcome address and presented a detailed report on the month-long Countdown Activities to International Day of Yoga 2026, highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the Department to promote Yoga and wellness among the University community.

Address by the Chief Guest: Prof. J. Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor (I/c), University of Hyderabad, delivered the Chief Guest Address and emphasized the importance of Yoga in maintaining physical health, mental well-being, emotional balance, and healthy ageing. She highlighted the relevance of Yoga in modern lifestyles and stressed the need to inculcate Yoga as a daily habit.

She also referred to the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras, encouraging participants to adopt Yoga not merely as a physical exercise but as a holistic way of life. The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the efforts of the Department of Physical Education & Sports and the Office of the Dean, Students’ Welfare for successfully organizing the month-long Countdown Activities and the International Day of Yoga celebrations.

Presidential Remarks

Prof. Rukma Rekha, Dean, Students’ Welfare (I/c), delivered the Presidential Address and highlighted the success of the “5 Minutes Yoga at Workplace” (Y-Break) initiative conducted across various academic departments, administrative offices, and support units of the University.

She congratulated the Department of Physical Education & Sports for its dedicated efforts in promoting Yoga among students, faculty, officers, and staff members. She emphasized the importance of Yoga in stress management, workplace productivity, preventive healthcare, and overall well-being.

Live Telecast of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Address: As part of the nationwide celebrations of International Day of Yoga 2026, participants witnessed the live telecast of the address by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India from Kolkata, which was screened at the venue. The address highlighted the global significance of Yoga, India’s contribution to world wellness, and the theme of “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

Common Yoga Protocol (CYP): Following the live telecast, all participants actively took part in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH. The Yoga session was conducted through the official telecast and was simultaneously demonstrated and guided by the University’s Yoga Instructors, Dr. K. Saritha Devi and Sri P. Mallikarjun Reddy.

Participants performed various Yogasanas, Pranayama practices, and meditation techniques under expert guidance, promoting physical fitness, mental calmness, and holistic health.

Prize Distribution and Certificate Presentation

Following the Yoga session, prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions organized during the Countdown Activities, including:

  • Yogasana Competition
  • Essay Writing Competition
  • Quiz Competition

Certificates of Participation and Appreciation were also presented to the participants who actively took part in the month-long International Day of Yoga activities and training programmes.

Vote of Thanks: The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. K. Saritha Devi, Yoga Instructor, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Presiding Officer, dignitaries, faculty members, officers, staff, students, volunteers, organizing committees, and all participants for their valuable support and active involvement.

The event concluded with the National Anthem, followed by breakfast and refreshments for all participants. The celebrations ended with group photographs and interaction sessions, capturing the spirit of unity, wellness, and community participation.