Key Points

• The Yoga Mahotsav was held in Delhi to launch the theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga—Women’s Empowerment with a focus on physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
• Brahmacharini Shobha, Director of Amrita Yoga, represented Amma to share teachings on the diverse dimensions of yoga and how women play a vital role in sharing this knowledge with the world.
• The event was hosted by the Govt of Bharat’s Ministry of Ayush which is responsible for developing education, research and sharing of traditional medicine and alternative medicine systems in the country.

The Govt of Bharat’s Yoga Mahotsav 2024 has sparked the ignition for the countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024. This year’s theme is Yoga for Women’s Empowerment. Since women are society’s primary caregivers, it is a vision that champions a commitment to the wellbeing of all. The gathering celebrated the potential of yoga to revolutionise society’s approach to women’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

During the launch, Brahmacharini Shobha, Director of Amrita Yoga, shared Amma’s profound wisdom in this regard, illuminating the diverse dimensions of yoga and how women play a vital role in sharing this knowledge with the world.

The grand occasion, held at the prestigious Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi, marked the beginning of a 100-day journey towards the 10th edition of IDY on June 21, 2024. It was hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, which is responsible for developing education, research and sharing of traditional medicine and alternative medicine systems in Bharat. The theme also exemplifies the commitment by the Central Government to foster health, peace, and gender equality through the transformative essence of yoga.

The event was graced by key figures such as Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Smt. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ayush; Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva, Director of The Yoga Institute, Mumbai; and Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor, SVYASA University, Bengaluru. Smt. Vijaylakshmi Bhardwaj, Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) gave the welcome address.

Throughout the day, Yoga Mahotsav 2024 showcased a plethora of activities designed to inspire and uplift:

• In-depth theme-based technical sessions explored the empowerment of women’s health and personal transformation through yoga, weaving a narrative of strength and rejuvenation. 
• Engaging panel discussions provided a rich tapestry of insights into the dynamic interplay between yoga and women’s empowerment, offering deep reflections and varied perspectives. 
• Dr. Ragavendra Rao, Director of Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), New Delhi, skillfully moderated the panel discussion in which Brahmacharini Shobha took part, ensuring a lively and enriching dialogue. 
• Other esteemed panelists included Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi; Dr. Jaideep Arya, International Coordinator, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Haridwar; Ms. Anjali Deshmukh, Head of Kaivalyadhama, Pune Branch; and Dr. BK Sapna, Senior Rajyoga Teacher, Brahmakumaris, New Delhi.