Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Thoothukudi Branch, in collaboration with Kamaraj College, Thoothukudi, successfully organized the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations on 21st June 2025. The programme was held at the college premises from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, volunteers, staff, and dignitaries, marking a meaningful observance of this global initiative.
Over 720 school students from various institutions in and around Thoothukudi took part in the celebration. Participating schools included Sri Saradha Nursery and Primary School, Sri Lalitha Vidhyalaya, Thangam Middle School, Kamaraj School, Karapettai Nadar Higher Secondary School, D.M.N.S. Dr. Sivanthi Adithanar Matriculation School, AMM Sinnamani School, Tagore Memorial Middle School and several others.
The program commenced with the lighting of the lamp and chanting of Shanti Mantra.
The Chief Guest of the event was Shri E. Balu, Whole-Time Director, Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited (SPIC).
The program was presided over by Shri Ayyappan Anna, Sah Prant Sanghatak, Tamil Nadu Prant & Secretary, Rural Development Program (RDP).
Other dignitaries present were Smt. Subathra Vetrivel, Nagar Sanchalak, Thoothukudi and Dr. K. Bhanumathi, Principal, Kamaraj College.
Shri Ayyappan Anna addressed the gathering, highlighting the deeper purpose of Yoga as a lifestyle and spiritual practice. Shri E. Balu emphasized the health benefits of Yoga, especially for the youth and encouraged students to incorporate yoga into their daily lives. Smt. Subathra Amma felicitated the Chief Guest with a memento of gratitude and appreciation.
The Common Yoga Protocol demonstration was led by Shri Udayakumar, Prant IT Pramukh. Students performed Loosening exercises, Asanas, Pranayama techniques as per the Common Yoga Protocol and took Sankalpa for the IDY 2025. The discipline and enthusiasm of the children created an atmosphere of serenity and collective energy.
Certificates of Participation were distributed to all schools. Special mementos were presented to schools with the highest participation. The Rotary Club, Thoothukudi, one of the sponsor for the event, was formally acknowledged and felicitated for their support.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Shri Muniyappan, Yoga Pramukh, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporting institutions.
A total of 56 volunteers including Kamaraj College staff, college students, Kendra karyakartas from Thoothukudi, and Yoga Varga participants worked together seamlessly to ensure the smooth and disciplined execution of the event. The enthusiastic participation from schools and local institutions reaffirmed the growing interest and commitment toward a yogic lifestyle.
