New Delhi: Apex industry body ASSOCHAM with support from Union Ministry of Ayush has launched a ‘Sunday Discussion Series’ to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2021 highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of regular yoga practice and how it can be used as a tool to stay healthy.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in association with Ayush Virtual Convention Centre (AVCC) and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is organising a series of virtual sessions on yoga to promote and spread the message of ‘Har Ghar Mein Yoga’ highlighting the role of the ancient practice and its role in physical and spiritual well-being.

The first edition of Discussion Series on Yoga was inaugurated by Mr Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (independent charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports and Minister of Ayush (additional charge) on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Talking about the chambers’ initiative, ASSOCHAM president, Mr Vineet Agarwal said, “The objective of this series is to promote and spread the message of yoga, the oldest holistic healthcare practice globally and to highlight its role in our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.”

“While the journey of Yoga started over 5000 years ago as a means to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body, its importance for individuals and populations to make healthier choices and follow lifestyle patterns that foster good health was never felt more acutely than now as the country and the world at large battles the Covid pandemic,” said the ASSOCHAM chief.

While the second edition was addressed by Senior Rajyoga Teacher & International Motivational Speaker, Sister Shivani on Sunday, May 23, 2021, whereby she shared her perspective on how yoga can help bring in mindfulness, self-awareness, and numerous other health benefits for women as they are more prone to physical, mental and psychological problems because of their reproductive cycle and related hormonal imbalances.

The third edition of the discussion series was addressed by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president and spiritual head of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, a spiritual institution based in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Sharing his words of wisdom, Swami ji said, “Our youth are facing unprecedented challenges in their world today. The world they will inherit will be very different from what we could have envisioned. In order to navigate their world today and be stewards of their world tomorrow — Yoga and Meditation are crucial and vital tools for a resilient tomorrow.”

He added, “Yoga is not merely what we do but truly who we are. Yoga is not merely a set of exercises, it is a way of life. Today the Yoga needed the most is Earth Yoga — Yoga dedicated to reminding us to protect and preserve our intricate connection to our Earth and our planet. They must understand that they are not owners of the Earth but are merely custodians.”

Swami ji further said, “I believe that the Coronavirus has come as an Ambassador of our Environment — it has taught us the true value of clean water and fresh oxygen… The mantra to remember in order to prepare youth for their tomorrow is Nature, Culture and Future. If youth stay rooted in their culture of yoga, meditation and ayurveda etc as well as actively take climate action, preserving Mother Nature then automatically their future will be protected.”

Pujya Swami ji also offered many beautiful tools, techniques and words of deep wisdom and inspiration that inspired all participants.

The discussion saw participation of various eminent personalities including – Ms. Shalini Passi Founder MASH & Member – AWF; Mr. Niret K Kurian, Deputy Director, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India; Dr. Latika Bhalla, Head- Sr Adolescent Paediatrician, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital & Member, AWF; Mrs. Deepti Rawat Bhardwaj, Former Vice-Chairperson Higher Education Upgradation Committee, Govt. of Uttarakhand; Ms. Maneeza Ahuja, Astrologer & Spiritual Counselor, Former Sr Vice President, Percept India Ltd and Dr. Vandana Singh, Assistant Professor (Hindi), Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

 The discussion was moderated by Ms. Manjari Chandra, Consultant Therapeutic and Functional Nutrition, Max Healthcare, Daivam Wellness & Member, ASSOCHAM Women Forum.

The Sunday Discussion Series will continue till June 13, 2021 every Sunday, is likely to be addressed by yoga and spiritual guides including Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Ji and Dr. H. R. Nagendra Ji 

The ASSOCHAM-Ayush Sunday Discussion Series is streamed live on ASSOCHAM social media handles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube at 10 am (IST).