Latest news with #Om
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Souls in Sync: Thousands stretch, bend for good health
New Delhi: Over 2,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered at Kartavya Path, their voices rising in unison with the chant of 'Om'. International Yoga Day 2025 unfolded as a vibrant display of unity and mindfulness, organised by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The morning began with a live telecast of the Prime Minister's address from Visakhapatnam, which set the tone for the 11th edition of the celebration. In the presence of union health minister, JP Nadda and NDMC vice Chairman, Kuljeet Singh Chahal, the session was led by Acharya Pragya Sagar in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. Addressing the crowd, Nadda said, "People around the world are doing yoga to stay healthy, and more and more people have started practising yoga in the past ten years." NDMC made seamless arrangements across eight locations, including mobile toilets, healthcare services, and drinking water. Additionally, yoga protocol events were organised at NDMC Old Age Home and Working Women's Hostel, among other venues. Participants from all walks of life took part, including both amateurs and seasoned practitioners, moving together through poses ranging from basic neck stretches to advanced ones like Trikonasana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Octogenarian Vipin Parmar, seen performing Kati Chakrasana, said, "Yoga is the ultimate lifeline. We don't realise it when we're young, but as we grow older, we understand that it is a gift from our Indian tradition." Similar scenes could be seen at Lodhi Garden, where children aged 6 to 9 joined their parents. "As a woman, yoga has made my life more manageable. Even daily chores feel easier now," said Suman Singh, 58, who had earlier attended another yoga camp at Pandara Road. Apart from NDMC, the Delhi Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also held yoga sessions across the city. At Baansera, lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena performed various yoga poses to showcase its wide-ranging benefits. Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh joined an MCD-led session and urged parents to instil yoga habits in children, saying, "Yoga is not just an exercise but a lifestyle. It is a priceless heritage of Indian culture, and everybody should do it regularly." The historic Purana Qila in the capital also witnessed the celebrations of the International Day For Yoga, in a joint collaboration between the ministry of culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Marking a confluence of heritage and ancient tradition, the ASI marked the day by organising yoga sessions at 81 monument sites across the country. From Adalaj Ki Vav in Gujarat to the Sun Temple in Konark, these architectural wonders served as backdrops for mass yoga participation by people of all ages.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
From homes to stadiums and parks to malls: Noida bends towards wellness on Yoga Day
Noida: The cities of Noida and Ghaziabad witnessed overwhelming public participation on the 11th International Yoga Day, celebrated on Friday under the theme 'One Earth for One Health'. Residents gathered in large numbers across parks, stadiums, residential societies, offices, and hospitals, embracing yoga for physical and mental well-being. In Noida, the main event was held at Noida Stadium, Sector 21A, led by minister-in-charge Brijesh Singh, principal secretary of tourism, culture and charitable works Mukesh Kumar Meshram, and district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma. Thousands joined a mass yoga session conducted by trained instructors. Brijesh Singh also planted saplings at the venue, promoting environmental awareness. Ghaziabad's central event took place at IMS Dasna, with deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya as the chief guest. Organised by the District Administration and Civil Defense, the event saw huge participation from government officials, residents, and civil society. A live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address was screened at both venues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brass Krishna Idols For Prosperity & Protection In Life Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo "Yoga is not just a physical activity; it is a sadhana that strengthens the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family," he said. District magistrate Verma emphasized the widespread outreach: "Inspired by the Prime Minister and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Yoga Day was observed across the district—from stadiums to homes. Yoga must become a part of our daily lives for a healthier nation." Residential sectors in Noida, including 28, 35, 46, 55, 62, 105, and 7X, hosted enthusiastic community sessions. In Sector 46, RWA president Vijay Kumar Rana shared, "We had a vibrant turnout. Yoga T-shirts and fruit refreshments added to the spirit." One of the largest gatherings occurred at Shivalik Park, where over 5,000 people participated in a mega session organised by the Vishwa Jain Organisation. Corporate and medical institutions also joined the celebrations. DLF Mall of India, Noida Child PGI, and GIMS hosted sessions for employees and students. At GIMS, director Dr Rakesh Gupta noted the distribution of tablets under the Swami Vivekanand Digishakti Scheme and basic life support training for staff. To complement the yoga activities, Arogya India Wellness Center organized a free health check-up camp at Noida Stadium, reinforcing the day's message of holistic health and wellness. Meanwhile in Delhi, over 2,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered at Kartavya Path, their voices rising in unison with the chant of 'Om'. International Yoga Day 2025 unfolded as a vibrant display of unity and mindfulness, organised by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The morning began with a live telecast of the Prime Minister's address from Visakhapatnam, which set the tone for the 11th edition of the celebration. In the presence of Union health minister JP Nadda and NDMC vice-chairman, Kuljeet Singh Chahal, the session was led by Acharya Pragya Sagar in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. Addressing the crowd, Nadda said, "People around the world are doing yoga to stay healthy, and more and more people have started practising yoga in the past ten years." NDMC made seamless arrangements across eight locations, including mobile toilets, healthcare services, and drinking water. Additionally, yoga protocol events were organised at NDMC Old Age Home and Working Women's Hostel, among other venues.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Haryana govt panel holds talks with HAU students, no solution so far
Hisar: With the students' protest at Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) entering the 12th day, a four-member govt-appointed committee began formal discussions with student representatives at the deputy commissioner's office in Hisar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Two rounds of talks concluded by 8.30pm Saturday, with a third round underway late into the night. There is no official word on which demands have been agreed upon. The student delegation, comprising 12 representatives, submitted a comprehensive document to the committee. The dossier includes medical reports, video evidence, and testimonies from students allegedly injured during the June 10 incident. The delegation demanded justice and urged the committee to ensure a fair and timely resolution. The govt formed the committee on Friday, following the students' declaration that they would no longer engage with the university administration, citing repeated administrative actions taken against them. The committee includes education minister Mahipal Dhanda, PWD minister Ranbir Gangwa, social justice and empowerment minister Krishna Bedi, and Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar. The agriculture minister—despite the university's focus—was excluded from the panel. Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini earlier stated that the Haryana govt stood firmly with students and youth, and would ensure no injustice was done to them. On Saturday morning, students began their day with a group yoga session in observance of International Yoga Day. They emphasised that the protest is not only a physical movement but also a demonstration of mental discipline, resilience, and unity. The students also chanted Om and recited the Preamble of the Constitution during the session, creating a solemn and spirited atmosphere at the protest site. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 350 Students Submit Memorandum to Governor Seeking VC's Removal In a parallel action, over 350 students submitted a signed memorandum addressed to the Governor of Haryana, demanding the immediate removal of vice-chancellor B R Kamboj. The students accused him of ordering a brutal lathi charge, suppressing their rights, and demonstrating administrative failure.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Int'l Yoga Day celebrated with emphasis on health, harmony
Indore: Indore and other parts of the Malwa-Nimar region enthusiastically celebrated the 11th International Yoga Day on Saturday, with mass participation across all the districts. Political leaders, govt officials, students, and citizens joined collective yoga sessions, highlighting the importance of yoga for physical and mental well-being and its role in global harmony. In Indore, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the main event at Rajwada, emphasising that "Indore is making history in the field of Yoga." He highlighted yoga's significance and urged everyone to plant a tree, stating, "Trees provide oxygen, which is essential for human life." The event, aimed at promoting both yoga and tourism, saw large numbers of youth, women, and the elderly participating. A grand yoga session was also held at Gofur Chauraha, where Scindia, along with MP cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, and actress Adah Sharma, shared the stage. Despite light drizzle, thousands of citizens participated with enthusiasm. The session began with actress Adah Sharma reciting the Kal Bhairav Ashtakam, followed by collective 'Om' chanting and yoga practice. Scindia lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts for making yoga a global celebration. Vijayvargiya hailed yoga as India's tradition and the "great glory of sages," crediting PM Modi for promoting India's ancient wisdom globally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He called yoga a path to universal well-being and a means to connect the soul with the divine. He also praised Indore Municipal Corporation and Mayor Bhargav's 'Yoga Mitra Abhiyan' as a nationwide example. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav shared that yoga instructors were appointed in all 85 wards of Indore to facilitate daily practice, benefiting lakhs. He expressed the goal for Indore to achieve the top spot in yoga, just as it has in cleanliness, aspiring to make Indore the "capital of yoga" alongside being the "capital of cleanliness." Min Vijay Shah performs Yoga in Khandwa Khandwa: The district-level program in Khandwa was held at a private school, seeing participation from 600 students from 19 schools, officials, and public representatives. Cabinet minister Vijay Shah, citing a knee operation, engaged in light exercises rather than full yoga poses. He urged citizens to make yoga a weekly celebration in every locality and ward to foster social harmony in the "electronic age." Yoga sessions held at Gandhi Sagar Dam, famous Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur: Mandsaur celebrated International Yoga Day at Sanjay Gandhi Udyan with the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. MP Sudhir Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP Banshilal Gurjar, Collector Aditi Garg, SP Abhishek Anand, and a large number of schoolchildren and common people participated. Yoga sessions were also held at the iconic Gandhi Sagar Dam, the famous Pashupatinath Temple. Thousands gather in Ratlam, Dewas Ratlam: Despite early morning rain, Ratlam's event took place at the MLA Assembly House on Sailana Road. MLA Mathuralal Damar, Mayor Prahlad Patel, BJP District President Pradeep Upadhyay, and Additional Collector Shalini Srivastava were among the participants.
Time Out
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The Culture Edit: On travel, yoga and the myth of the melting pot
Come rediscover parts of our culture that don't always make the brochure, as told from the inside, out. Have a story to share? Drop us a mail at hello@ 'I like your 'Om' shirt - can you tell me about the 2,500-year history behind it?' It's the kind of question that would probably stop most people in their Lululemon-clad tracks. But it's one we should be asking - especially on a day like International Yoga Day. Cape Town is my home city. It's often described in travel as a 'melting pot of cultures.' It sounds poetic, doesn't it? But as a coloured South African, I've found that metaphor somewhat flawed. A 'melting pot' implies that heritage blends harmoniously into one smooth stew. But in South Africa - and especially in Cape Town - many of us carry cultures that were never allowed to flourish freely. Some parts were erased, others repackaged, and many still go unacknowledged. And there couldn't be a more opportune time to stir this pot for deeper context than on #InternationalYogaDay. What is cultural appropriation, really? Cultural appropriation isn't just about wearing 'someone else's stuff.' It's about power. As The Conversation explains, appropriation happens when members of a dominant culture take elements from a marginalised culture without understanding or respecting the original meaning, especially when that culture has been historically oppressed. In simpler terms, it's picking what looks cool or marketable from another tradition and leaving the context behind. And in the case of yoga, it's rampant. Yoga: From spiritual discipline to stretch-and-sweat Yoga is believed to have originated over 2,500 years ago in the Indus Valley. It's rooted in ancient Indian philosophy and spirituality. But today, when you search the term 'yoga' or scroll through Instagram, what do you see? More often, it's bendy influencers doing advanced poses in luxury studios or on private beaches. Expensive leggings and Sanskrit mantras on crop tops all accentuate the incense aesthetic. According to this Self Magazine feature by Rina Deshpande, who posed the opening "Om question" - Indian yoga teachers often feel invisible in global wellness spaces. The yoga Deshpande grew up with - a deeply personal, spiritual, and philosophical practice - has been commodified into something else entirely. She postures that the physical activity, or asanas, are just one of yoga's eight limbs. The others, such as breath control (pranayama), ethical conduct, inner discipline, and devotion, are often ignored or forgotten in modern times. This is where cultural appropriation becomes clear: when a sacred practice is stripped down, rebranded and sold back to the world without acknowledging the people it came from. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rina Deshpande (@rinathepoet) In Cape Town, this isn't abstract. A few years ago, a city-based studio faced backlash after hosting an 'Asian Night' where attendees wore bindis, kimonos, and chopsticks in their hair. While this can all be seemingly playful in intent - Asian community members considered it "flattening and offensive". The studio later issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm caused. South African context: When borrowing becomes erasure This conversation doesn't stop at yoga. Cultural appropriation shows up all over our public life - especially when money, branding, and media attention are involved. Take Die Antwoord, as highlighted in The Conversation piece. The internationally successful music duo from Cape Town draws much of its aesthetic - Kaaps slang, working-class Coloured identity, and gang iconography - from communities they don't belong to. Critics argue that the group profited off caricatures of Cape Flats culture while real people living those experiences continued to face systemic marginalisation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DIE ANTWOORD (@dieantwoord) Another notable flashpoint this year was a viral video of New Orleans' annual 'Zulu Parade' during Mardi Gras - orchestrated by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, which dates back to 1916. The troupe don grass skirts, ornate headpieces, and 'Zulu' warrior-inspired make-up, and South Africans took to social media to express outrage. Many argued the parade 'totally misrepresents' authentic Zulu culture - going beyond celebration into caricature - prompting heated and complex dialogue about diasporic. This incident crystallises how using a culture's identity - even with historical intent - can be deeply offensive when divorced from consultation or meaningful connection. The Kaapse Klopse, the iconic New Year minstrel festival, hits even closer to home. What began as a celebration of survival and cultural expression has been both treasured and troubled. Some performances still feature blackface or colonial minstrel costumes, raising questions about how cultural practices evolve - and whether they reinforce or challenge harmful legacies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cape Town Tourism (@lovecapetown) Even something as beautiful and simple as the Basotho blanket has been co-opted by Louis Vuitton in a 2017 menswear collection, without meaningful credit or collaboration. In contrast, Cape Town-based designer Thabo Makhetha works closely with Basotho heritage and artisans, ensuring the cultural context remains at the heart of her work. Where a powerful brand like LV could have paid homage through collaboration, Makhetha has shown the difference. Appreciation involves context, collaboration, and consent. Appropriation doesn't. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thabo Makhetha (@tmakcc) What does this mean for us as travellers? Working in travel journalism - especially at a brand like Time Out, which has been spotlighting local culture since 1968 makes this conversation more relevant than ever. Travel is about curiosity. About crossing borders, meeting new people, and discovering unfamiliar traditions. But we have to ask: are we celebrating other cultures, or merely consuming them? The full-blown experience of travel is about walking through a city's backstreets, learning a few words of its language and buying handwoven cloth directly from the person who made it. Done well, travel builds bridges. Done carelessly, it just reinforces the same old power dynamics. I've recently taken on the role of City Editor for Time Out Cape Town and it's an invigorating time. We're backed by global experience and rooted in a hyper-local perspective. My goal isn't just to amplify Cape Town's position on the map. It's to tell stories that respect its layers. That invite people in with open arms, not open wallets. And that includes naming when something is off. We can't keep melting cultures down into smooth slogans. Sometimes the rough edges tell the most important stories. Yet, I genuinely believe there's space for meaningful cross-cultural appreciation. The kind that doesn't flatten identity but expands perspective. Travel (and yoga, at its best) invites us to sit with discomfort, to breathe into nuance, and to be still long enough to listen. If we approach culture not as something to consume but as something to be in a relationship with, we can all learn to move through the world with a little more awareness and maybe, just maybe, a little more lightness of being. * You've just read the first instalment of The Culture Edit, a new Time Out Cape Town series that digs deeper into the stories behind the streets, symbols, and experiences that shape how we travel - and how we live. This isn't your standard city guide. Each edition of The Culture Edit will explore cultural tension points that sit just below the surface of our daily lives: What does 'local' actually mean in a place with as many-layered identities as Cape Town? We'll look at everything from fashion to food, language to landmarks, sacred practices to public parties - asking not just where to go, but how to go there with respect, curiosity and context.
