Theme:Yoga for Healthy Ageing
Date:21 June 2026
Time:5:30 AM – 7:15 AM
Venue:Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Chennai
The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and participation at Vivekananda Cultural Centre on 21 June 2026. The programme was organized around the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," highlighting the importance of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout all stages of life.
The event commenced with a soulful bhajan session presented by the students of the Yoga Instructor Course. Following the assembly of participants in orderly rows, prayers were offered along with floral tributes, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by Ms. Jaya Dhulipala, who emphasized the significance of International Yoga Day and the timeless relevance of yoga in modern life.
The yoga practice session was conducted with clear instructions led by Mr. Naveen, while Ms. Shruthi and Mr. Kowshik demonstrated the various yogic practices on stage, enabling all participants to follow the session with ease and confidence.
Students from the following educational institutions actively participated in the programme:
- Sir Sivaswami Kalalaya Senior Secondary School
- The Lady Willingdon High School
- Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls' Higher Secondary School
- Lady Willingdon Institute of Advanced Study in Education
- Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School
- SJNS Jain Vidhyalaya Matric School
- Hindu Senior Secondary School, Triplicane
A total of 210 students from these institutions participated in the event. In addition, students from various yoga classes conducted by Vivekananda Cultural Centre and members of the general public joined the celebration, bringing the total participation to more than 350 participants.
The Chief Guest, Shri Gopal Ji, Director ofTakraf Organization and a 25 years yoga practitioner, addressed the gathering. He spoke on the transformative power of regular yoga practice and encouraged the students to incorporate yoga into their daily lives, as more number of distractions are catching the young and old minds. He highlighted out of his own experience how yoga not only strengthens the body but also develops mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience, enabling individuals to lead healthier and more purposeful lives.
In his Benedictory Address, Swami Raghunayakananda Ji Maharaj, Manager, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the students, teachers, yoga practitioners, and members of the public. He urged everyone to continue their yoga journey beyond International Yoga Day and reminded them of the special significance of practising yoga at the sacred place where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his historic visit to Chennai. He emphasized that yoga, when combined with noble ideals and self-discipline, becomes a powerful means for holistic development and spiritual growth.
The Chief Guest and participating teachers were felicitated in recognition of their contributions. Certificates and mementoes were distributed to the participants.
One of the highlights of the programme was "Pancha Bhuta Arati", a beautifully choreographed Yoga Dance presented by the students of the Yoga Instructor Course. Depicting the harmony of the five elements of nature, the performance received warm appreciation and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The programme concluded with the universal prayer "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah", invoking universal peace, happiness, and well-being for all. A group photograph session followed, capturing the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Jaya Lakshmi, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Swamiji, participating institutions, volunteers, instructors, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the programme.
Prasadam was distributed to all the participants, bringing the event to a joyful and fulfilling conclusion.