"யோகாவும் நல்வாழ்வும்" (Yogavum Nala Vaalvum – Yoga for Well-being)
troduction
The Department of Samooganala Maruthuvam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, organized a series of programmes to commemorate International Yoga Day 2026 under the theme “யோகாவும் நல்வாழ்வும்” (Yoga for Well-being). The programmes were conducted at educational institutions, community organizations, government establishments, and public venues throughout the Northern Province to promote the importance of yoga in achieving physical, mental, and social well-being. Yoga is recognized worldwide as a holistic approach to maintaining health and preventing disease. In today’s rapidly changing lifestyle, regular yoga practice contributes significantly to improving physical fitness, reducing stress, enhancing mental health, and preventing lifestyle-related illnesses.
Purpose of the Programme
In the 21st century, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased significantly. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other lifestyle-related disorders have become major public health challenges.The programme was organized to create awareness among students, teachers, government officers, community members, and the general public regarding the importance of yoga as a healthy lifestyle practice. The programme aimed to:·
- Promote the practice of yoga for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Increase public awareness of the role of yoga in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases.
- Encourage healthy lifestyle practices through regular physical activity, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
- Inspire participants to incorporate yoga into their daily lives for long-term health benefits.
Programme Schedule
A series of yoga awareness programmes and practical sessions were successfully conducted at the following venues
Programme Activities
The programmes consisted of educational sessions and practical demonstrations focusing on the health benefits of yoga. The activities included:·
- Introduction to the significance of International Yoga Day and its global observance.
- Awareness sessions on healthy lifestyle practices and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
- Demonstration and guided practice of basic yoga postures (Asanas).
- Breathing exercises (Pranayama) for improving respiratory health and reducing stress.
- Meditation and relaxation techniques to enhance mental well-being.
- Interactive discussions addressing participants’ questions on yoga and healthy living.
- Encouragement to adopt yoga as a regular component of daily life.
Each programme was tailored to suit the participants, including school children, university students, teachers, government officers, elderly residents, and members of the community.
Programme Highlights
The International Yoga Day celebrations reached a wide range of communities through programmes conducted in schools, children’s homes, elderly care institutions, government organizations, and public venues. The Department also actively participated in the province-wide International Yoga Day celebration held at Duraiappah Stadium, Jaffna, and organized an evening cultural programme in collaboration with the Departments of Music and Instrumental Music at Thiruvalluvar Cultural Hall, University of Jaffna, integrating yoga with music and cultural performances to promote holistic well-being.These programmes provided participants with practical knowledge and experience in yoga while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Outcomes
The programmes achieved the following outcomes:·
- Increased awareness of the health benefits of yoga among participants.·
- Improved understanding of the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases through healthy lifestyle practices.
- Active participation by students, teachers, government officers, elderly individuals, and community members.·
- Promotion of physical fitness, mental wellness, and stress management through yoga.
- Strengthened collaboration between educational institutions, community organizations, and government bodies in promoting public health.
- Enhanced community engagement in activities supporting holistic health and well-being.
Conclusion
The International Yoga Day 2026 programme under the theme “யோகாவும் நல்வாழ்வும்” (Yoga for Well-being) was successfully conducted across multiple locations in the Northern Province. The series of programmes effectively promoted yoga as a practical, affordable and holistic approach to improving physical and mental health and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.The enthusiastic participation of students, teachers, special needed children, government officers, community members, and elderly residents reflected the growing recognition of yoga as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. The programme also strengthened partnerships between educational institutions, community organizations, and government agencies in promoting health awareness.The Department remains committed to continuing similar outreach programmes to encourage healthier communities and improve the overall quality of life through yoga and traditional health promotion practices.
