Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 with great enthusiasm as more than 600 participants gathered at the Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex for a large-scale yoga session focused on health and well-being.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The event was jointly organised by the Games & Sports Department and the Office of the Dean, Students’ Welfare. Faculty members, students, teaching and non-teaching staff, NCC and NSS volunteers, university officers, and residents from nearby communities actively participated in the celebrations.
Participants Watch Prime Minister’s Address
The programme began with participants watching the live address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a giant screen installed at the venue.
Inspired by the Prime Minister’s message, the university community joined together to practice yoga under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Vice-Chancellor Leads Yoga Session
The yoga session was led by JMI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif, who was joined by senior university officials, faculty members, department heads, staff, students, and members of the local community.
Among those present were:
- Mrs. Syeda Parveen
- Prof. Mohd. Mahfuzul Haque
- Prof. Nafis Ahmad
- Prof. Mohammad Abid
- Prof. Mohd. Asad Malik
- Dr. Rihan Khan Suri
- Deans and Heads of Departments across the university
Expert Guidance on Yoga and Healthy Living
The participants followed the yoga protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH under the guidance of renowned yoga expert Prof. (Dr.) Badrul Islam Kairanvi.
During the session, Dr. Kairanvi demonstrated several yoga postures and mudras aligned with this year’s theme. He explained how regular yoga practice can help improve flexibility, maintain joint health, and support overall physical and mental well-being.
He also highlighted yoga’s role in:
- Managing lifestyle-related diseases
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving mobility and balance
- Supporting healthy ageing
- Relieving chronic pain and inflammation
- Promoting harmony between mind, body, and soul
VC Highlights the True Meaning of Yoga
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mazhar Asif stressed that yoga is much more than physical exercise.
He explained that good health depends on three important factors—balanced food habits, proper rest, and positive behaviour. According to him, these principles form the foundation of yoga and help individuals maintain both physical and mental wellness.
Prof. Asif said yoga teaches people how to manage emotions, remain calm, and deal effectively with everyday stress.
JMI Announces ‘Yoga 365’ Initiative
A major highlight of the event was the Vice-Chancellor’s announcement that JMI will facilitate regular yoga sessions throughout the year for students, faculty members, and staff.
The university plans to engage Dr. Badrul Islam Kairanvi to guide these sessions as part of the “Yoga 365” vision, encouraging people to practice yoga daily rather than limiting it to an annual event.
The initiative aims to make yoga a regular part of campus life and promote healthier lifestyles across the university community.
Registrar Encourages Daily Practice
JMI Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi also extended his greetings on the occasion and encouraged students and staff to include yoga in their daily routines.
He noted that regular practice can:
- Improve flexibility
- Enhance blood circulation
- Correct posture
- Reduce stress levels
- Develop discipline and mindfulness
Yoga as a Key to Healthy Ageing
Prof. Nafis Ahmad, Director of Games & Sports, described yoga as an effective and time-tested way to maintain physical strength and mental sharpness with age.
He noted that daily yoga practice helps preserve balance, strengthen joints, and reduce the risk of falls, making it especially valuable for healthy ageing.
Preparations Began Weeks in Advance
The celebrations were preceded by a series of yoga workshops and training sessions organised by the Games & Sports Department and the Department of Sanskrit.
These programmes were conducted between April and June 2026 to prepare participants for the International Day of Yoga celebrations and to spread awareness about the benefits of regular yoga practice.
The activities were organised under the guidance of Prof. Nafis Ahmad and Prof. Neelofer Afzal, Dean of Students’ Welfare.
4. Q&A Section
Q1: How many people participated in JMI’s International Yoga Day 2026 celebration?
More than 600 people, including students, faculty members, staff, volunteers, and local residents, participated in the event.
Q2: What was the theme of International Yoga Day 2026 at JMI?
The theme was “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focusing on long-term physical and mental well-being.
Q3: What is JMI’s ‘Yoga 365’ initiative?
The initiative aims to promote yoga throughout the year by providing regular yoga sessions for students, faculty, and staff.
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