The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at Vivekananda Cultural Centre, a unit of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, on June 21, 2026. The programme was organized around the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” underscoring the role of yoga in fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being across all stages of life.
A total of 210 students from participating institutions took part in the event. Students from various yoga classes conducted by Vivekananda Cultural Centre, along with members of the general public, also joined the celebration, bringing total participation to more than 350.
Chief Guest’s Address
The Chief Guest, Shri Gopal Ji, Director of Takraf Organisation and a yoga practitioner of 25 years, addressed the gathering. He spoke on the transformative power of regular yoga practice and encouraged students to incorporate yoga into their daily lives amid growing distractions affecting both the young and the old. Drawing from his own experience, he observed that yoga strengthens the body while also fostering mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience.
Benedictory Address
In his Benedictory Address, Swami Raghunayakananda, Manager, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students, teachers, yoga practitioners, and members of the public. He urged all present to continue their yoga practice beyond International Yoga Day, and noted the special significance of practising yoga at the site associated with Swami Vivekananda’s historic visit to Chennai. He observed that yoga, when combined with noble ideals and self-discipline, becomes a powerful means of holistic and spiritual development.
The Chief Guest and participating teachers were felicitated, and certificates and mementoes were distributed among the participants.
Programme Highlights
A highlight of the programme was “Pancha Bhuta Arati,” a choreographed yoga dance presented by students of the Yoga Instructor Course, depicting the harmony of the five elements of nature, which was warmly received by the audience.
The programme concluded with the universal prayer “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” invoking peace, happiness, and well-being for all, followed by a group photograph session. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Jaya Lakshmi, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the presiding monk, participating institutions, volunteers, instructors, and all contributors to the programme. Prasadam was distributed to all participants at the conclusion of the event.
