Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry

Attended the 25-Day Countdown to the International Day of Yoga 2025 in Puducherry, which highlighted the rich tradition and global importance of the ancient practice of yoga. This event attracted thousands of practitioners and spiritual seekers from various institutions in Puducherry, providing a platform for cultural exchange, learning, and immersion in yogic disciplines. While addressing the audience, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav remarked, “Puducherry, the workplace of Maharishi Aurobindo, stands as a living testament to the preservation of the eternal values of Indian culture amidst its diversity.”

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of numerous dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Puducherry, Thiru. N. Rangasamy, and Thiru. K. Kailashnathan, the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Also present were Thiru. Embalam R. Selvam, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Puducherry; Thiru. K. Lakshminarayanan, the Minister for Public Works in Puducherry; Thiru. S. Selvaganabathy, a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha; Thiru. V. Vaithilingam, a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha; and Ms. Monalisa Dash, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush.

A live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol was conducted by yoga practitioners from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the guidance of Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, the Director of MDNIY, and Dr. Lakshmi Kandan, an Assistant Professor specializing in Yoga Therapy at MDNIY.

The serene environment of Puducherry, located by the seaside, offers an ideal backdrop for this spiritual gathering. The festival’s success reflects the Indian government’s effective management and promotion of this culturally significant event, showcasing India’s rich yogic heritage to a global audience while fostering a sense of unity and well-being among participants.

Congratulations to the visionary leadership of the honorable Prime Minister and all the high-level officials who participated in this mission. The event was a great success under your dynamic supervision and co-ordination by Dr Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY, Dr. Sreedharan, Director of AYUSH, and Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Joint Secretary of IYA. It was also a great pleasure to meet with Dr. Ishwar N. Acharya, Shri Vinay Bharati ji and staff of MDNIY. On this occasion, I had the opportunity to meet some of my former colleagues from Ministry of AYUSH and MDNIY.

This experience was truly refreshing, as the message of unity resonated through a collective consciousness. May the glory of the Rishis endure forever, and may peace prevail, sustaining humanity in an integral manner.