Embracing the Global Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One 
The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with an inspiring early morning session that brought together students, faculty, and staff in a powerful display of unity, mindfulness, and wellness. Aligned with the global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event reaffirmed NITC’s commitment to nurturing holistic development alongside academic and technological excellence.

Held at 6:00 AM at the Mega Hostel Food Court, the session marked NITC’s active participation in the global wellness movement initiated by India a decade ago and embraced by the United Nations through unanimous support from 177 countries.

 A Vision of Unity and Transformation

The celebration began with an address by Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director, NIT Calicut, who shared reflections from his personal journey with Heartfulness meditation and yoga. He emphasized the transformative potential of yoga in cultivating inner peace, clarity, and balance:

 “Yoga transforms not just the body but the entire being. The peace that comes from within, the clarity that arises from silence – these are lived experiences that yoga gifts us each day,” he said.

Prof. Krishna also highlighted the diplomatic and cultural significance of the International Day of Yoga, describing it as a landmark global movement rooted in India's rich spiritual heritage.

Wellness in Practice

Following the inaugural remarks, participants engaged in a Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstration, led by experienced instructors. The session was designed to accommodate practitioners of all levels and culminated in a guided Heartfulness meditation session conducted by the Director himself.

Participants were later served healthy refreshments, including millet upma and herbal tea, reinforcing the celebration’s focus on mindful nutrition and  community wellbeing. Special edition Yoga Day t-shirts were also distributed to early attendees, adding a commemorative touch to the day.

Yoga for Sustainable Living

This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” echoed strongly across the NITC campus. The event underscored how personal wellness practices like yoga and meditation can contribute to broader ecological and social harmony.

“When we practice mindful breathing, we connect with the air we all share. When we flow through asanas, we honor the body that carries us on this Earth,” said the Director, emphasizing the interconnectedness between individual health and planetary sustainability.

 Collective Commitment to Wellbeing

The celebration was jointly organized by the Centre for Youth Health and Wellness (CYHW), Centre for Student Activity and Sports (CSAS), and the Centre for Women's Studies and Empowerment (CWSE), reflecting NITC’s interdisciplinary approach to student development and campus wellness.

Dr. Rajanikant, Chairperson of CYHW, noted:

“This is more than just an event—it’s a collective reaffirmation of our values. At NITC, we champion holistic growth, where physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing are as important as academic success.”

 From Local Practice to Global Impact

The celebration positioned NITC firmly within India’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts, which have brought yoga to schools, corporations, and communities across the world. Efforts by the Ministry of AYUSH and institutions like the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga have helped standardize and spread yoga practices internationally, recently bringing together delegates from 17 countries

 Carrying the Spirit Forward

As yoga mats were rolled up at the end of the session, participants left with a renewed commitment to integrating yogic principles into their daily lives.For NIT Calicut, the International Day of Yoga is not merely an annual event, but a powerful reminder of the institute’s role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable, healthy living.

By prioritizing mental health and holistic growth, NITC continues to lead as a premier institute where technical brilliance is matched by emotional intelligence and global responsibility—preparing the next generation of engineers to lead with both innovation and empathy