10th International Day of Yoga : Yog Vatika set up in city to honour B K S Iyengar’s life and teachings

A Tribute to the Yoga Legend

B K S Iyengar, born in 1918 in Bellur, Karnataka, revolutionised the practice of yoga globally. Despite a childhood fraught with health issues, Iyengar’s journey into yoga, under the guidance of his brother-in-law T Krishnamacharya, transformed his personal quest for health into a lifelong dedication to yoga. His method, Iyengar Yoga, emphasises precision, alignment and the use of props to help practitioners achieve correct postures safely and effectively. His seminal work, ‘Light on Yoga,’ continues to guide yoga practitioners worldwide.

The Vision and Creation of Yog Vatika

Rajeshree Tupe, student of Yogacharya B K S Iyengar, said “This sanctuary not only honours Iyengar’s contributions but also educates and inspires visitors. The centrepiece is a meticulously crafted statue of Natarajasana, symbolising the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva and Iyengar’s mastery of yoga,” Tupe told The Indian Express.

Surrounding this centrepiece, the garden features rare photographs of Iyengar performing various asanas, pranayama, and bandhas, along with descriptions of these practices.”

Shakti Kriya initiative for soldiers at LoC

The 10th International Day of Yoga marks a significant milestone for the Indian Army, as Shriyog Institute, known for its holistic wellness approach, embarked on a journey to enhance the physical and mental well-being of armed forces personnel posted across various challenging locations. This initiative, which began on June 12, 2024, touched the lives of soldiers stationed in extreme conditions with limited resources, demonstrating the transformative power of yoga. A particularly impactful aspect of this initiative was its focus on the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. “Soldiers in these posts often face extreme conditions and live with bare necessities. The yoga sessions were tailored to address these unique challenges, with practices designed to be performed in limited spaces and under harsh conditions. The goal was to help soldiers maintain their physical health and mental well-being despite the tough environment. A highlight of the initiative was the introduction of Shriyog Shakti Kriya, a practice specifically designed by Shriyog Institute based on 25 years of yoga teaching experience. This dynamic sequence of asanas (postures) is highly effective for fat loss, joint and muscle health, mental resilience and overall well-being. The Shakti Kriya also serves as a cardio exercise, beneficial for heart health,” Tupe said.

Buddy yoga practice for soldiers

Tupe also added that Buddy Yoga is another special practice designed for the soldiers who spend months on the forward posts with limited resources and limited exposure to the world outside of their posts. The buddy Yoga practice involves pairs of soldiers working together to perform yoga poses, stretches, and meditation. This collaborative approach allows soldiers to assist each other in achieving correct postures, ensuring maximum benefit from each exercise. Emphasising teamwork, communication and trust, Buddy Yoga includes a variety of asanas (postures), stretches, twists and meditation poses. These exercises are specifically chosen to address common issues faced by soldiers, such as back pain, shoulder health, and neck pain.