A special celebration and yoga training programme was organized at Chairman Manicka Vasagam Middle School in Devakottai, Sivaganga district, to mark International Day of Yoga and create awareness among students about the importance of yoga.
The programme was presided over by Headmaster L. Chokkalingam, while teacher Pandiselvi delivered the welcome address. The chief guest was Dr. Saroja, Head of the Department of Yoga and Professor at Alagappa University, who demonstrated various yoga postures and explained the significance and benefits of yoga to students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saroja said that regular yoga practice improves physical health, helps individuals maintain a youthful appearance, and enhances overall well-being. She advised students to avoid distractions such as talking or using mobile phones while eating and emphasized the importance of consuming food in a calm and mindful manner. She also stressed that everyone should get at least eight hours of sleep every day for good health.
She noted that positive thinking is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life and highlighted that yoga and physical exercise contribute significantly to both physical and mental wellness. Students were encouraged to avoid negative habits such as excessive greed, dishonesty, theft, and taking others’ belongings.
Dr. Saroja further emphasized the importance of cultivating good values, including truthfulness, respect for teachers and parents, following their guidance, maintaining healthy friendships, and avoiding lies. Developing positive thoughts from a young age, she said, is one of the fundamental objectives of yoga.
Explaining the concept of the mind, she stated that the mind is not a physical organ but rather the expression of one’s thoughts. Positive thinking, she said, helps improve personality, character, and intellectual abilities.
During the practical session, students were introduced to yoga postures such as Vrikshasana (Tree Pose), Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), and Padmasana (Lotus Pose). The benefits of each posture were explained: Vrikshasana enhances concentration and focus, Vajrasana aids digestion and helps reduce abdominal fat, while Padmasana supports healthy blood circulation and nervous system function.
The programme was also attended by Gopi, a postgraduate research scholar from Alagappa University. Teachers, students, and staff members participated enthusiastically in the event. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by teacher Sridhar.