MRIU participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations at Rajpath on June 21, 2015, in a colourful gathering where its own international student community took part

Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) truly believes in creating global citizens of the future, in word and spirit. On June 21, 2015, when India celebrated Yoga International Day at Rajpath, New Delhi, with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) rose to the occasion and joined in the celebrations with its International Student community.  Hon’ble Prime Minister, an avid yoga advocate, took to performing yogic poses along with yoga enthusiasts from across the globe on that historic occasion. By about the day’s end on June 21, it was evident that the Union Ministry of Ayush had set two records: for the largest congregation ever with around 35,985 participants and for most nationalities, 84 to be precise, participating at a single venue. It was a matter of great pride for Manav Rachna International University to be a part of that global congregation as 11 international students–from countries like Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Bangladesh, Yemen etc.–led by Nikhil Raina, Foreign Students’ Coordinator, MRIU, participated in the Yoga International Day celebrations, contributing towards yoga’s international reach and flavor. They were greatly impressed with the Prime Minister’s speech and felt it was a great honour to be a part of the practice session.

Speaking about the momentous occasion, Dr Sarita Sachdeva, HOD, Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering & Technology (FET), MRIU, stated, “Yoga and its benefits have become so popular that it has crossed the national boundaries and has spread to many foreign countries.  It has dissolved all limitations of region, religion, caste, creed and nationality.  It is in this spirit, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi has stressed the need for making yoga popular at a global level.”

Incidentally, in the run up to Yoga International Day on June 21, 2015, Manav Rachna International University celebrated Yoga Week from June 18-22, 2015, through a wide range of activities to spread the good word about Yoga and enthuse students, staff and Faculty members to cultivate a healthier and happier lifestyle.  The mantra of practicing yoga for the well-being of the body, mind and spirit, was brought into focus at the inaugural session of the Yoga Week on 18th June, 2015, at an enlightening session attended by several senior dignitaries such as Dr N.C. Wadhwa, Vice Chancellor, MRIU; Dr V.K. Mahna, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MRIU; Dr M.K. Soni, Executive Director and Dean, Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET), MRIU; Dr Naresh Grover, Dean-Academics and Director  Admissions, MRIU; Professor B.S. Gill, Director, Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Centre, Mr Sarkar Talwar, Director, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, among others. The inaugural session was graced by Dr Savita Singh, Clinical Psychologist, Sarvodaya Hospitals, who conducted a yoga and meditation session drawing upon her own yoga practice for the last 22 years. She guided the congregation on different yogic poses and breathing techniques all aimed at bringing about a calm and meditative state among the audience. Dr Shobha Shrivastava, Deputy Registrar, FET, MRIU, and Chief Convener of the event, also guided the gathering on meditative techniques and stress soothing poses. The first day of the Yoga festival also witnessed Certificates of Appreciation being awarded by Vice Chancellor Dr N.C. Wadhwa to winners of an Online Essay Competition on the ‘Yogic Way of Life’ in which the Staff, Faculty, their family members and children had participated with great enthusiasm. An exhibition expounding on the benefits of yoga was also held at the campus. On the second day of the Yoga Festival, dieticians at MRIU’s Faculty of Applied Sciences provided counseling on balanced diets while a Faculty member from MRIU’s Faculty of Engineering & Technology created awareness and provided relief through Acupressure. All of them emphasized upon Yoga’s healing properties and the fact that it can pave the way for a healthier and happier lifestyle.