On August 14, 2025, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) hosted special guests of the Ministry of Ayush, invited in recognition of their contributions to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations on June 21, 2025, on the eve of the 79th Independence Day. Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of MDNIY, expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the invitation and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Yoga in its authentic form, highlighting the significance of diet, lifestyle, and behavior in daily practice. Shri N.K. Kansara, Principal Consultant, Yoga Certification Board (YCB), provided a briefing on the Board's progress. A Farmer Delegation, also invited by the Ministry of Ayush for their role in the medicinal plants sector, participated in a Yoga Break (Y-Break) session, an initiative that has benefitted over 8.68 lakh government employees nationwide. Over 350 guests were given a guided tour of MDNIY's facilities, academic programs, and initiatives. Md. Taiyab Alam, Chief Development Officer, and Dr. I.N. Acharya, Programme Officer, along with faculty and staff, were present. The event promoted the integration of Yogic principles into daily life, reinforcing unity, peace, and national well-being.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ayush: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and promotion of traditional medicine systems including Yoga.
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY): An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush, dedicated to yoga education, training, research and therapy.
International Day of Yoga (IDY): An annual event celebrated on June 21st, promoting the practice and benefits of Yoga worldwide.
Government of India: The national government of India.
Yoga Certification Board (YCB): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush that certifies yoga professionals.
Yoga: A traditional physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.
YBreak: A short Yoga Break session for government employees, part of an initiative promoting Yoga in the workplace.
Dr. Kashinath Samagandi: Director of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY).
AYUSH
Special Guests of Ministry of Ayush for 79th
Independence Day Visit Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga
MDNIY Showcases ongoing Initiatives and Facilities
to Special Guests
Posted On: 14 AUG 2025 6:28PM by PIB Delhi
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) today welcomed Special Guests of the Ministry of Ayush,
invited in recognition of their significant contribution to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations
held on 21st June 2025. The visit took place on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY, expressed gratitude to the
Government of India for inviting these distinguished guests to the national celebrations. He stated that Yoga,
having emerged as a global phenomenon, carries the responsibility of being preserved and promoted in its
authentic form. Emphasising the holistic approach of Yoga, Dr. Samagandi highlighted the importance of diet
(ahara), lifestyle (vihara), and behaviour (achara-vichara) in daily practice. He also presented an overview of
the Institute’s ongoing activities through a detailed presentation.On the occasion, Shri N.K. Kansara, Principal Consultant, Yoga Certification Board (YCB), briefed the guests
on the progress and achievements of the Board. The interactive session provided a platform for participants to
share experiences and perspectives on the relevance of Yoga in contemporary life.
Later in the day, a Farmer Delegation invited by the Ministry of Ayush, in recognition of their role in the
medicinal plants sector, visited MDNIY. The delegation participated in a short Yoga Break (Y-Break) session
and experienced its benefits. The Y-Break initiative has already benefitted over 8.68 lakh government
employees across the country.
The two delegations, comprising over 350 guests, were taken on a guided tour of MDNIY to familiarise them
with its facilities, academic programmes, and ongoing initiatives.
Md. Taiyab Alam, Chief & Development Officer, MDNIY, and Dr. I.N. Acharya, Programme Officer, along
with faculty members and staff, were present during the visit.
The event reflected the shared ethos of independence and the timeless values of Yoga—discipline, harmony,
and service to the nation. The visit not only enriched the Independence Day celebrations but also promoted
the integration of Yogic principles into daily life, reinforcing the message of unity, peace, and national well-
being.
*****
MV/GS/SG(Release ID: 2156499)