Large-scale Yoga Events Held Across the City
On June 21st, 2024, a collaborative effort by Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Morabadi Ranchi, Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, and Indian Yoga Association’s Jharkhand Chapter brought International Yoga Day to various locations in Ranchi.
Morning Sessions Focus on Common Yoga Protocol
The day’s events commenced at 6:45 am in Kanke Dam Park with Vedic chanting. Ashrama Secretary Swami Bhaveshananda and Marwari College Principal Sri Manoj Kumar led the gathering. Simultaneously, 46 other locations across Ranchi practiced the Government of India’s Common Yoga Protocol.
Vivekananda Sarovar Session Welcomes Guest of Honor
Another session held at Vivekananda Sarovar, central to Ranchi, featured Swami Sukhmayananda, a monk from the Ashram, and Sri Amit Kumar, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation Administrator, as a guest. Both the Secretary and Administrator emphasized the importance of yoga for all age groups and encouraged the public to embrace its practice. Following the session, Sharp Sight Eye Hospital provided breakfast for participants. A total of approximately 2800 individuals participated in yoga across all locations.
Afternoon Session Explores Yoga’s Impact
The afternoon program at the Ashrama Auditorium delved deeper into the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.” 300 attendees, including Chief Guest Sri Achyut Ghatak, Director, C.M.P.D.I.L., and Special Guest Sri Jagannath Chakravarty, participated.
The session began with lamp lighting, Vedic chanting, and recitations from Swami Vivekananda’s works and the Swadesh Mantra. Swami Antarananda, Assistant Secretary of the Ashrama, highlighted yoga as a practice for complete balance, both physical and mental. Yoga Sadhika Ms. Pragya Bharti provided a detailed discourse on how yoga benefits both self-development and societal well-being.
Building a Better Nation Through Yoga
Chief Guest Sri Achyut Ghatak spoke about nation-building through the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and how yoga fosters character and success. Swami Bhaveshananda, in his presidential address, emphasized Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of “Átmano mokshártham jagad hitáya cha” (“For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world”). He defined yoga as the union of the mind and explained how controlling the mind leads to increased willpower and self-confidence, ultimately contributing to societal development.
Awarding Excellence and Vote of Thanks
The program concluded with the recognition of winners from various state-level yoga competitions held over the previous 30 days. A vote of thanks was delivered by Sri Amit Kumar, Secretary of the Indian Yoga Association’s Jharkhand Chapter. Dr. Anuradha Wats, a psychologist, served as the program’s host.
This collaborative effort successfully promoted International Yoga Day in Ranchi, with a total participation of approximately 2800 individuals across 46 locations.
