New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif on Sunday led the university’s celebrations to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at the Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex, an official said.

The participants joined the nationwide celebration by listening to the live address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, broadcast on a giant screen at the venue, said the official in a statement.

Energised by the Prime Minister’s inspiring message to the nation, Professor Asif led the university in practising yoga on the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

Professor Asif emphasised the holistic philosophy of yoga and its relevance to contemporary life, said the statement.

He said, “Three things, namely, Ahaar, Vihar, and Vyavhar, that is, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and good behaviour, are essential for good health and constitute the very essence of yoga.”

“Yoga teaches us not only how to nourish the mind and body but, more importantly, how to regulate our emotions, especially anger and other negative feelings,” he said.

The event was organised by the Games and Sports Department, JMI, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean, Students’ Welfare.

More than 600 faculty members, teaching and non-teaching staff, NSS and NCC volunteers, officers, students, and people from neighbouring communities gathered to mark the occasion.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Asif was joined by Mohd Mahfuzul Haque, Chairman, Games & Sports Committee; Nafis Ahmad, Director, Games & Sports; Mohammad Abid, Deputy Director, Games & Sports; Mohd Asad Malik, Chief Proctor; Rihan Khan Suri, Director, CIE; Deans of faculties; Heads of the Departments; staff members and people from surrounding communities of JMI.

The participants practised yoga as per the protocol laid out by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, under the guidance of yoga teacher/guru, Professor Badrul Islam Kairanvi, Director, Institute of Dr BIK Yoga & Clinic of AYUSH Paramedics, New Delhi and Former Training Commissioner, KVS BSG-Ministry of HRD, New Delhi.

Kairanvi demonstrated a variety of mudras and asanas that were in line with the IDY 2026 theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ to the participants.

He also underscored the significance of yoga in the healing process of lifestyle diseases, as well as in maintaining flexibility, healthy joint movements, and disease-free internal organs.

He discussed yoga’s relationship to the mind, body, and soul as well as how it can help with chronic pain, injuries, and inflammation.

The message of the Prime Minister was also echoed by the yoga instructor while he gave tips on the therapeutic benefits of various asanas being demonstrated and practised under his supervision.

–IANS

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