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International Yoga Day, Ahmedabad, Inspires Healthy Habits

Seventh Day School Marks International Yoga Day with Mass Session for Students in Ahmedabad

More than 150 students gathered on the grounds of Seventh Day School in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning as the institution observed the 12th International Yoga Day in partnership with Bhartiya Yog Sansthan. Students from Standard 6, Standard 9, and the school’s NCC Boys and Girls units took part in a guided yoga session aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy daily habits.

The event formed part of a wider programme of Yoga Day activities held across India and in many other countries on June 21. Since the United Nations adopted International Day of Yoga in 2014, schools, colleges, community organisations, government bodies, and health institutions have used the occasion to encourage people to include yoga in their daily lives. The first International Day of Yoga was observed in 2015, and participation has grown steadily over the past decade. According to the United Nations, the 2026 observance marked the 12th edition of the global event.

At Seventh Day School, the programme began during the early morning hours. Trainers from Bhartiya Yog Sansthan led students through the Common Yoga Protocol, a standard sequence widely followed during Yoga Day events. The session included warm-up exercises, Tadasana, Bhujangasana, breathing practices, and meditation.

Yoga has its roots in ancient India and is practised today in many parts of the world. Health experts and yoga practitioners often point to its role in improving flexibility, balance, posture, concentration, and stress management. Schools increasingly use yoga sessions as part of efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles among children and teenagers, particularly at a time when concerns about screen time, physical inactivity, and stress among students continue to attract attention.

The organisers said the programme was held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The theme reflects the idea that individual well-being and the health of communities are closely connected with the wider environment. Similar themes have been used in recent Yoga Day campaigns to encourage a broader understanding of health beyond physical exercise alone.

During the event, students followed instructions from trainers and performed a series of postures designed to improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Breathing exercises and meditation were also included as part of the session. These practices are often considered important components of yoga because they focus on concentration, relaxation, and mental calmness alongside physical movement.

School Principal Mr Fileep Tayade addressed the participants and spoke about the value of regular yoga practice in daily life.

He said, “Yoga is India’s ancient gift to the world. It is not just physical exercise but a way of life that builds discipline, concentration and immunity. Just 10 minutes of daily Yoga can keep both body and mind healthy. I urge all students to make Yoga a part of their daily routine.”

His remarks reflected a message commonly heard during Yoga Day events, where educators and health professionals encourage young people to develop habits that support long-term physical and mental health.

The participation of NCC cadets added another dimension to the programme. NCC activities often emphasise discipline, fitness, teamwork, and leadership. Yoga sessions are increasingly included in training and educational programmes because they can support physical conditioning while helping participants improve focus and self-control.

Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, which partnered with the school for the event, has been involved in yoga education and awareness activities across India for many years. Organisations such as Bhartiya Yog Sansthan regularly conduct public yoga camps, training sessions, and community outreach programmes intended to introduce yoga practices to people of different age groups.

Across the country, schools played a major role in this year’s observance. Educational institutions organised mass yoga demonstrations, awareness campaigns, and student participation programmes. Many schools used the occasion to teach children about the history of yoga and its place in Indian culture. Health professionals have frequently noted that introducing simple physical activity routines during childhood can help establish healthy habits that continue into adulthood.

Research carried out over several years has examined the effects of yoga on physical and mental health. While experts caution that yoga is not a replacement for medical treatment, studies have suggested that regular practice may help improve flexibility, balance, breathing control, and stress management. These findings have contributed to yoga’s growing popularity in schools, workplaces, and community settings.

The continued expansion of International Yoga Day also reflects yoga’s growing global reach. What began as an initiative supported by India at the United Nations has developed into a worldwide observance involving millions of participants. Large public gatherings, school programmes, community events, and online sessions are now organised annually to mark the occasion.

For students at Seventh Day School, the event offered an opportunity to take part in a structured wellness activity outside the classroom. Teachers and organisers observed the session and encouraged participation throughout the programme.

As the exercises concluded, students joined in meditation and breathing practices before the event came to a close. The programme ended with a vote of thanks. Teachers, NCC officers, and school staff members were present during the session and supported the activities.

While the event lasted only a few hours, organisers used the occasion to reinforce a longer-term message: that small daily habits can contribute to better health. Whether through physical postures, breathing exercises, or short periods of meditation, the focus remained on encouraging students to adopt practices that can support their well-being beyond the classroom and throughout their lives.