Media Release
Udupi, Jul 11: The Division of Yoga, Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in collaboration with prominent educational institutions and support from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, successfully concluded the Yoga Samavesh outreach programme as part of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 celebrations.
Conducted under the national theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ the initiative was implemented at Sharada Residential School (SRS), Kunjibettu, Udupi, and Madhava Kripa School (MKS), Manipal, demonstrating a sustained commitment to youth wellness that extended well beyond the traditional June 21 observance.
The programme at SRS commenced on June 12 while MKS began on June 18 both continuing into July with their respective valedictory ceremonies held on July 2 and 3. More than 200 adolescent students across both institutions actively participated in structured sessions based on MDNIY's Yoga for Adolescents module, incorporating asanas, pranayama, dhyana, and reflective dialogues focusing on concentration, emotional balance, and academic stress management.
The valedictory ceremony at SRS was graced by Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, as chief guest, who emphasized yoga's significance in primordial prevention and its growing relevance in mitigating non-communicable diseases. Vidyavantha Acharya, director of SRS, served as guest of honour, reaffirming his commitment to integrating yoga into the school's value-based curriculum.
At MKS, Dr Suneel C Mundkur, professor, Department of Paediatrics, Kasturba Medical College, served as chief guest, highlighting the scientific relevance of yoga in enhancing adolescent health, particularly in improving attention, sleep quality, and emotional stability. Swati Sudhakar Kulkarni, principal of MKS, and Radhika Pai, correspondent, extended their full support to the initiative.
Dr Annapoorna K, professor and head, Division of Yoga, CIMR, led the programme coordination, while Dr Neetinakumar J Patil served as nodal officer for IDY 2025, MAHE. Student testimonials reflected significant benefits in focus, emotional stability, and physical flexibility, with positive feedback from both parents and teachers.
This transformative wellness movement aligns with prime minister Narendra Modi's vision of positioning yoga as a powerful tool for preventive health and inner transformation, inspiring educational institutions to embrace yoga as an integral component of holistic student development.
About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.