Under the Ministry of Ayush’s SE–9 Yoga Maha Kumbh Programme – a unique initiative titled ‘संयोगो योगः’ (Samyogo Yogah) was jointly organised by Samskrita Bharati, Vivekananda Kendra, Arogya Bharati, Indian Yoga Association, and Kalakshetra Foundation from June 15 to 21, 2025. As part of the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, the programme featured two major events: the Yoga Chikitsa Shibiram and an International Conference on Yoga.
The seven-day celebration, held from 15th to 21st June 2025, aimed to raise awareness about Yoga and its holistic benefits among the general public. It was a vibrant and meaningful initiative, drawing participants from diverse walks of life and highlighting Yoga’s enduring value in promoting individual well-being and collective harmony.
The inaugural ceremony was held on June 15 at the Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam. During the event, Samskrita Bharati released a booklet listing key Yoga texts in both Sanskrit and Tamil. Trained medical students from Arogya Bharati performed Surya Namaskars, demonstrated important asanas, and conducted a special Chair Yoga session. Representing Vivekananda Kendra, Smt. Thangalakshmi Balasubramanian, Prant Pramukh of Tamil Nadu Prant, addressed the gathering and highlighted the connection between Swami Vivekananda’s vision and the practice of Yoga.
From June 16 to 19, the Yoga Chikitsa Shibiram was held at Kalakshetra Foundation, Tiruvanmiyur. Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, coordinated the sessions by inviting a range of speakers to deliver talks on various aspects of Yoga therapy. Shri. Abhinav Kadambi, a Sanskrit scholar and karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra, delivered an interactive session on Karma Yoga, where students participated in activities that explained the concept of action and its consequences. Other sessions focused on therapeutic topics such as stress management and the yogic approach to respiratory disorders. Dr. R. Elangovan, Executive Committee Member of the Indian Yoga Association – TNSCC, addressed common misconceptions surrounding Yoga and provided clarity rooted in both tradition and contemporary understanding.
The International Conference on Yoga commenced on June 20 and continued through June 21. It included plenary sessions with eminent speakers from India and abroad, as well as paper presentations exploring textual, cultural, and traditional dimensions of Yoga. Of the 35 abstracts received, 27 were presented. Shri. Anand Kumar Reddy, Managing Committee Member of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, represented the organisation during the inaugural session of the conference. Shri. Balasubramanian, Tamil Nadu Prant Toli Member, spoke on the theme of Yoga and Dharma. A Yoga Gītam composed by Prof. M. Jayaram of SVYASA was performed on both days, adding a musical dimension to the event. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. N. Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, and concluded with a valedictory address by Sri S.K. Dogra, former Director General of Police.
The entire programme witnessed enthusiastic participation, with a total of 920 attendees, including more than 400 students from nearby schools who participated in the sessions daily. The confluence of scholarship, practice, and service highlighted the essence of the theme – संयोगो योगः – reinforcing the unifying and healing power of Yoga in contemporary society.
