Yoga for ‘One Earth, One Health’: A Soulful Celebration at Mount Carmel Central School

Mangaluru: Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru, observed International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and harmony on June 21, 2025, in the school auditorium. The event was based on the global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, and was beautifully hosted by the students of Grades X C, D, and XI.

The programme commenced with a vibrant and engaging welcome by emcees Jovial Dsouza and Ashlon Menezes, who set a cheerful tone for the morning. A soulful inter-faith prayer service, led by Neha Castelino and her group, invoked blessings across all faiths, fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity.

Arush Ullal welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest, Mr. Deepak Nayak, a respected yoga, meditation, and counselling practitioner. Mr. Nayak, accompanied by his wife Ms. Shwetha Naik, was warmly greeted by Principal Sr Melissa with a flower sapling—a gesture symbolising appreciation and growth.

The significance of International Yoga Day was creatively presented through a lively and conversational skit by Jinelle Pinto, Rochelle Lobo, Jeanine Dsouza, and Siyona Pinto. Their engaging exchange was enhanced by live demonstrations of key yoga postures, blending information with interaction.

A thought-provoking mime performed by the boys of Grade X powerfully depicted the holistic benefits of yoga. Through expressive silence, they illustrated how yoga can alleviate stress, improve concentration, and support academic success, particularly in the lives of students.

Adding a cultural dimension, a celebration dance showcased a graceful fusion of classical movement and yogic postures, symbolising the union of mind, body, and soul. The performance resonated with the spiritual essence of Yoga Day.

In his keynote address, Yoga Guru Mr. Deepak Nayak emphasized that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a lifelong discipline essential for mental peace and holistic health. He praised the students, their mentors, and the school for presenting a meaningful and inspiring programme.

Principal Sr Melissa, in her address, congratulated all involved and urged students to adopt yoga as a daily practice. She emphasized its relevance in today’s high-pressure world, calling yoga a path to spiritual maturity and intellectual well-being, and encouraged students to live in harmony with themselves and the environment.

A highlight of the programme was the felicitation of student achievers:

• Aaron Dsouza (Grade X) and Hanish Devadiga (Grade IX) were honoured for their exceptional feat in karate, earning a Guinness World Record for performing non-stop karate techniques for two hours among 4,500 participants.
• Ridhvi Madhukiran (Grade VI) received recognition for securing 5th Rank at the State-Level Handwriting Competition.
• Anya Sanyal (Grade V) was awarded for obtaining 6th Rank in the Wiz State-Level Spell Bee Competition.
• Winners of various school-level competitions from Grades V to X were also felicitated for their dedication and performance.

The event concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Mahendra Vasanth, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the celebration.

In line with the CBSE mandate to promote health awareness, the school also hosted an interactive session titled “Ditch Sugar and Boost Health,” conducted by a team of doctors from AJ Institute of Dental Sciences. The session educated students on the ill effects of excess sugar consumption and encouraged healthier eating habits.

As part of the extended celebration, the Scouts and Guides team of MCCS marked Yoga Day on June 20, 2025, with a dedicated session. Guide Keerthana and Guide Poorvi demonstrated six yoga asanas, explaining their benefits and relevance, further enriching the holistic message of the occasion.

The International Yoga Day celebration at Mount Carmel Central School was an inspiring and impactful event. Through a blend of reflection, performance, education, and recognition, the programme successfully underscored the timeless value of yoga in cultivating mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical well-being—reminding all participants that yoga is a way of life, not just a one-day practice.