Yoga day: AMU campus kicks off early activities

Agra: Various departments, centres, schools and halls of residence of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) completed a week of preparatory activities leading up to the International Yoga Day 2026.

The university’s efforts were aimed at anchoring the day’s global theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, at the local level.RMPS AMU City School examined the benefits of a healthy life through a student-led poster competition based on the theme, showcasing yoga’s role in promoting long-term physical wellness. Under the direction of Prof. Uzma Eram, the Department of Community Medicine held a technical workshop at the Rural Health Training Centre, Jawan.

Dr Mohd Yasir Zubair outlined the benefits of yoga, followed by yogasana and pranayama demonstrations by Mohd Danish for department.Saiyyid Hamid Senior Secondary School (Boys) adapted the health initiative into an educational campaign, pairing practical workshops with an essay competition titled ‘From Ancient Roots to Global Movement’. “Yoga is a vital tool for developing a healthy mind and cultivating a stress-free life,” said officiating principal Sabahuddin.

An expert lecture was organised at the faculty of unani medicine, focusing on maternal health. Speakers from the department of Niswanwa Qabalat, including prof Subohi Mustafa and prof Syed Tariq Murtaza, detailed how structured physical positioning aids pre- and post-natal recovery, accompanied by yogic demonstrations by Aushaf Ahmad.A Hindi essay competition themed ‘Vidyarthi Jeevan Mein Yoga Ki Upyogita’ was also hosted by the department of Sanskrit under chairperson prof Sarika Varshney. Moving the health initiative into residential life, Begum Sultan Jahan Hall organised a yoga workshop that combined theoretical instruction with practical demonstrations of breathing exercises and postures.Across AMU, a clear consensus emerged from the week’s workshops and sessions: yoga is a vital, practical tool for stress management and holistic health in contemporary life.