5th National Conclave of the Indian Yoga Association – Chintan Shivir: The Future of IYA

Описание: In the Himalayas, Where the Soul of Yoga Still Breathes
5th National Conclave of State Chapter Committees – “Chintan Shivir: The Future of IYA”

The 5th National Conclave of State Chapter Committees - – “Chintan Shivir: The Future of IYA” unfolded in the serene, contemplative silence of Lekhak Gaon, nestled in the sacred valleys of Uttarakhand from 7-9 November, 2025. As 17 State Chapter representatives, yoga acharyas, institutional heads and visionaries gathered from across India, the mountains seemed to welcome them with an ancient familiarity. The atmosphere carried the fragrance of pine, the purity of still air, and the unmistakable sense that this was not merely a meeting — it was a pilgrimage back to the roots of India’s yogic heritage.

From the very beginning, the gathering felt like a tapestry of culture, devotion and shared purpose. Conversations flowed with warmth, and the energy carried the depth of sincerity that only a gathering of sincere practitioners and teachers of yoga can generate. The Conclave promised reflection, exchange, and a collective re-envisioning of the future of yoga through the lens of IYA — and it delivered all this with the grace of a Himalayan sunrise.

A Sacred Weaving of Light, Wisdom and Vision
The inauguration of the Conclave was a moment of quiet magnificence. The recitation of the Shanti Path set a spiritual foundation, its chant merging seamlessly with the natural silence of the hills. The dignitaries — Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra, President, IYA; Swami Bharat Bhushan, Governing Council Member, IYA; Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Union Minister; Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, Joint Secretary and OSD (IDY Coordination), Ministry of Ayush; Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, IYA; Shri S.P. Mishra, CEO, Personnel Certification Board, IYA and Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Joint Secretary, IYA — joined in lighting the ceremonial lamp. The rising flame felt symbolic of the collective resolve to protect, nurture and expand the message of authentic yoga across India and the world.

In his welcome and introductory remarks, Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, beautifully reflected on the journey of IYA — its founding principles, its alignment with India’s rich yogic lineage, and its role as the central, unifying body for yoga traditions across the nation. His invocation of the Association’s history and legacy prepared the ground for the profound messages that followed.

The first address came from Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, who spoke with poetic devotion and patriotic pride. He congratulated the Indian Yoga Association for creating a space where saints, scholars and practitioners could come together for a sacred dialogue. He reflected on IYA’s founding vision — to unite India’s diverse yoga traditions under a single umbrella — and praised its evolution into one of the world’s most influential collectives dedicated to authentic yoga. Dr Nishank emphasized that yoga is more than a practice; it is India’s gift to humanity, a philosophy that harmonises body, mind and soul while connecting us deeply to society and to the cosmos. His address brought a sense of purpose, possibility and national responsibility to the gathering, marking a powerful beginning to the Conclave.

This was followed by Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra’s address, whose presence itself brought a wave of warmth and elevation to the hall. Speaking with the clarity and compassion that define her leadership, Maa reminded everyone that the essence of yoga lies not merely in techniques but in the art of living joyfully and harmoniously. She spoke of how true success lies in walking together, supporting one another and allowing the fragrance of inner balance to colour every interaction. In her gentle yet powerful way, Maa addressed the emotional challenges of modern life — stress, loneliness, restlessness — and reminded all that yoga provides the tools to move from confusion to clarity, from heaviness to lightness, and from sorrow to inner strength. Her message was a call to keep the heart open, to avoid hurting anyone, and to move forward with affection and mutual upliftment — the true path of yoga.

This was followed by the insightful address of Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, Joint Secretary and OSD (IDY Coordination), Ministry of Ayush, who placed the Conclave’s purpose within a national perspective. He shared the findings of a recent survey that revealed a heartening trend: in every 35 people in India, at least one person practices yoga regularly, and many others practice occasionally. This, he emphasized, is proof that yoga remains an integral part of India’s cultural fabric, expanding quietly yet powerfully into mainstream living. He highlighted the Indian Yoga Association’s crucial role in sustaining this growth — guiding practitioners, institutions and communities towards authentic, traditional and scientifically grounded yogic pathways.