AKC Yogotsav 2025 Ends on a High Note with 1,200 Participants in Mass Yoga Event

The Apollo Knowledge City campus was filled with energy, togetherness, and wellness. The institutions, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR), Apollo College of Nursing (ACoN) and The Apollo University (TAU), with the NSS Units and the Yoga and Meditation Club, have completed an incredible month-long celebration of AKC Yogotsav 2025 in honor of International Yoga Day and YogaAndhra 2025. As a fitting climax to the festivities, a mass yoga demonstration was staged on the AKC Grounds, and over 1,000 students and 200 staff gathered to perform the Common Yoga Protocol from 7:00 am to 8:00 am, demonstrating the physical synchronisation and spiritual and mental synchrony that yoga offers, as well. The inaugural session was begun by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. H. Vinod Bhat who noted the significance of Yoga in day-to-day existence, as a celebration of health, harmony, and holistic well-being, while acknowledging the fact that this day was the longest of the year. Inspired by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the Ministry of AYUSH to bring the legacy of this ancient Indian practice to the global platform, Apollo Knowledge City stands shoulder to shoulder in taking Yoga to the world, conveying the collective spirit of the campus. The Registrar, The Apollo University Prof. M. Potharaju, provided the inspiration and the leadership for being able to undertake such an event. It was he who first conceived the concept of a month-long Yogotsav and was able to make it happen for everyone's participatory consideration, establishing the practice as it aligns with the vision of inclusion in health and holistic education making AKC Yogotsav an annual landmark event for the year. A significant part of the celebration was the guidance provided by 67 certified student trainers who led the session with tremendous dedication and grace, under the leadership of Dr. Kavitha S, Faculty Coordinator of the Yoga and Meditation Club, and Mr. Dilip, the club's student trainer and coordinator. Their tireless commitment to mentoring and training hundreds of students epitomized the spirit of seva and dedication to wellness. The occasion was favored by the participation of numerous dignitaries whose presence and encouragement helped to bring value to the experience. The notable presence included Mr. Naresh Kumar Reddy, Chief Operating Officer of Apollo Knowledge City; Dr. Ramya Ramakrishnan, Associate Dean - Academics and Professor of Surgery, AIMSR; and Prof. A. Sethuramasubbiah, Controller of Examinations, The Apollo University. Other dignitaries in attendance included Prof. Dr. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Apollo Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. D. Jagadeesan, Dean, School of Technology; and Dr. Ramaiah Itumalla, Dean of School of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as the principals of the key health institutes, Dr. T. Jayanthi, Principal, Apollo College of Nursing and Dr. Kiran, Principal College of Physiotherapy, who featured prominently in the activity and made efforts to coordinate the students from all institutions. The AKC Yogotsav 2025 which lasted a month commenced on May 21st and took place with a series of vibrant and inclusive activities which served to galvanize students, faculty and others in the community and celebrated the essence of yoga. One of the main highlights was the Certificate Program on Foundations of Yoga collaborated with SKY Yoga, Tirupati, and served to introduce students and certify them introducing the basic principles and practices of yogic science. The outreach initiative included a special event called “Introducing Yoga to Young Minds” at a Government School, Chittoor, where the aim was to introduce young minds to the essence of yoga, and to help establish good habits for life. Other significant activity was “Inner Stillness: A Journey into Meditation” which was guided meditation delivered in collaboration with Isha Foundation, Chittoor, arranged for AKC Staffs and family which aimed to help residents, families and staff to explore mindfulness and stillness whilst managing their academic or personal responsibilities. AKC Yogotsav 2025 fulfilled its purpose, which included health and wellness, and promoted a stronger level of unity and collaboration among institutions, departments, and individuals across the Apollo Knowledge City campus. The grand yoga demonstration on June 21 was also an impressive manifestation of collective discipline, diligence, and harmony, epitomizing the fundamental idea of Yoga as a union of self and society.