The Central University of Kerala celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2025 with great enthusiasm. Organised by the Department of Yoga Studies, the event was held at Payaswini Hall on the main campus under the guidance of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Siddu P. Algur and the supervision of Dr. Subramanya Pailoor, Head of the Department of Yoga Studies. Aligned with the official theme for 2025 – ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ - the celebration witnessed the participation of around 300 individuals, including Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, research scholars, students, non-teaching staff, and students from nearby colleges and institutions.

The programme was conducted in three sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The first session began with the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), featuring a structured sequence of yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation. At the end of the session, all participants recitedthe Yoga Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to making yoga an integral part of their daily lives and promoting its values in society.

The second session was a vibrant cultural presentation that reflected the integration of yoga, art, and Indian tradition. Students from Yogasana Bharath – National Federation for Yogasana Sports in India performed group and solo artistic yoga demonstrations that blended athleticism with aesthetic expression. A spiritual thread art exhibition captured attention with its creative portrayal of yoga themes. This was followed by a Bharatanatyam performance, showcasing the harmony of body, mind, and rhythm. The session concluded with a captivating Yoga Dance performance by students of the Department of Yoga Studies, combining asanas, pranayama, and movement-based choreography to demonstrate yoga's expressive and dynamic nature.

The third session marked the official inauguration of the event. Dr. Subramanya Pailoor welcomed the dignitaries, faculty, and students, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The Chief Guest, Prof. K. Krishna Sharma, former Professor at the Department of Human Consciousness and Yogic Sciences, Mangalore University, delivered the Yoga Day message.

Prof. Sharma spoke about the significance of 21st June, the longest day of the year, symbolising solar energy and aligning with the essence of yoga - activeness, time management, and harmony with both inner and outer nature. He elaborated on the relevance of yoga in contemporary times, highlighting scientific research that supports its role in enhancing mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical health. He also emphasised meditation as a core practice within the yogic system that fosters inner transformation and self-awareness.

In his presidential address, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur elaborated on the global significance of the International Day of Yoga. He highlighted the theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, as a timely reminder of the interconnectedness between personal well-being and planetary health. Referring to the widespread national and international celebrations, he noted the growing global recognition of yoga as both a health discipline and a cultural heritage. Prof. Algur emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative research, encouraging departments to explore yoga’s therapeutic, educational, environmental, and technological applications. He envisioned yoga as an integrative therapy aligned with public health objectives and sustainable development goals.

Following the addresses, the dignitaries felicitated the performers of the cultural session. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. M. Anjaladevi, Assistant Professor, Department of Yoga Studies. Registrar Dr. M. Muralidharan Nambiar, Dean of Students’ Welfare Prof. Rajendra Pilankatta, and Dean of the School of Medicine and PublicHealth Prof. Mathew George attended the event. The Yoga Day celebration was a resounding success, reaffirming yoga’s universal value as a science of life and well-being. It served not only as a platform to showcase yoga practice and culture but also as a call to integrate its principles into daily life, academic research,