In the Himalayas, Where the Soul of Yoga Still Breathes
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.
A deeply moving moment arrived with the benediction of Swami Bharat Bhushan, whose words flowed like nectar from the heart of yogic tradition. He spoke of the journey of purification that yoga undertakes within us: how asanas purify the body, pranayama purifies prana, pratyahara steadies the senses, and dharana purifies the intellect. Together, these lead life towards wisdom and illumination. His words gently reminded everyone that the unfolding of inner potential requires trust, steadiness and perseverance. He also emphasized that man’s greatness lies in his capacity for manan and chintan, making a gathering like this Chintan Shivir both meaningful and necessary for IYA’s journey.
The inauguration also witnessed two significant milestones: the signing of the MoU with Yoga Australia, symbolising IYA’s expanding international collaborations; and the unveiling of the “Sannidhi” website, a tribute to the sacred seeds of yoga and a gateway for future experiential learning.
Evening of Devotion, Culture & Community
As the sun softened behind the jagged Himalayan silhouettes, the Conclave seamlessly shifted into an evening of inspiration and devotion. Students from Swami Rama University presented a graceful yoga demonstration that reflected both discipline and youthful joy. Their synchronised movement, rooted in traditional practice, brought a refreshing blend of strength, elegance and cultural pride. The audience watched with admiration, recognising that these young practitioners represented the future torchbearers of India’s yoga legacy.
After a short tea break, the hall once again filled with the serene presence of Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra, who led an evening satsang infused with warmth, humour and timeless wisdom. Her words gently reminded everyone that spiritual growth is not confined to asanas or rituals alone — it lives in kindness, authenticity and the ability to stay centred even in challenging circumstances. Her satsang was not only an offering of guidance but a soft, motherly embrace to every member present.
The day concluded with a charming cultural programme presented by the local community. Folk melodies, traditional movements and the raw artistic expression of the region reminded everyone that yoga is inseparable from Indian culture. The performance created a bridge between ancient heritage and modern participants, leaving hearts full and spirits uplifted. Dinner that followed was a continuation of camaraderie — conversations, laughter and heartfelt exchanges rippled across the dining hall, bringing the day to a gentle, fulfilling close.
Second Day: Practice, Reflection & Deep Collective Thinking
The second day began with the crisp, refreshing air of the mountains greeting participants as they assembled for Hatha Yoga with Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. His session, infused with breath awareness and subtle body observation, set the perfect tone for the day’s deep engagements.
After breakfast, the atmosphere turned reflective as the gathering honoured the contributions of IYA Members and State Chapter Committees. There was a palpable sense of pride as the growing national tapestry of yoga work came into focus — each State Chapter carrying its own stories of dedication, outreach and transformation.
This led into a comprehensive presentation by Shri S.P. Mishra who offered a clear understanding of the work undertaken by the Personnel Certification Board, explaining IYA’s efforts to uphold quality and credibility in yoga education and professional certification.
Shri Subodh Tiwari then took the audience on a journey through IYA’s evolution — from its foundations to its present stature as a self-regulatory national body. His address highlighted the importance of standards, collaboration and continuity.
In a gesture of deep appreciation, IYA felicitated its State Chapters, acknowledging their tireless work in nurturing yoga’s reach and strengthening the Association’s presence across the nation.
The Panel Discussions – The Heart of the Chintan Shivir
The mid-morning panel discussion on “Overcoming Barriers and Strengthening the Future” brought together Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Prof. Dr. R. Elangovan and Shri S.P. Mishra, moderated by Shri Subodh Tiwari.
This session became one of the most insightful dialogues of the entire Conclave.
The panelists reflected deeply on the gaps between Associate Centre membership and certification, agreeing that many institutions proudly hold IYA membership but do not progress towards recognised certification. The need for a structured pathway to guide these institutions was emphasised repeatedly.
Another powerful insight emerged around positioning the Indian Standards of Yoga (ISY) as the global platinum benchmark. With IYA’s unique lineage, intellectual depth and traditional authenticity, the panelists felt that IYA holds the responsibility to set uncompromising standards for the world.
Discussions also highlighted the significance of digital visibility for State Chapters. A dedicated online presence — with updates, achievements, event documentation and membership progress — was identified as essential for strengthening State identity and inspiring institutions to participate more actively.
Equally important was the call to shift the mindset from “What can I get from IYA?” to “What can I contribute to IYA?” — a transformative suggestion that resonated through the hall.
Concerns about delays in certification processes were candidly expressed, and suggestions for smoother coordination between YCB and IYA were discussed. The panel also underlined the crisis emerging from unregulated short-duration courses offered elsewhere, making it imperative for IYA to maintain rigorous quality benchmarks.
Yoga education, livelihood opportunities for yoga professionals, student engagement, and structured certification pathways also emerged as crucial themes. The panel stressed the importance of creating safe, ethical, culturally sensitive and professionally organised yoga environments across India.
This session left the gathering thoughtful, energised and aligned toward unified action.
After a reflective Q&A on Yoga 365 policies shaped by the Ministry of Ayush, the afternoon unfolded with a dynamic session on Krida Yoga by Dr Subramanian Ananda Venkata, bringing energy, playfulness and childlike enthusiasm into the gathering.
This was followed by an experiential workshop, “Sannidhi – The Sacred Seeds of Yoga,” led by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Yogacharini Anandhi Mary Cecil. Their session brought the subtle, inner dimensions of yoga alive — through chant, breath, embodied awareness and traditional perspectives. Many participants described this session as the “soul” of the Conclave.
Voices of Wisdom: Charting the Future Pathways of the IYA
In the evening, the hall once again became a space of powerful thought and vision during the second panel on “Future Vision of IYA – Global” chaired by Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, brought together State Chapter representatives including Prof. Dr R Elangovan, Tamil Nadu State Chapter, Shri Sabir Sheikh, Maharashtra SCC, Shri Rajagopal Krishnan, Kerala SCC, Yogacharya Dhakaram ji, Rajasthan State Chapter and senior members to reflect on the evolving role of the Indian Yoga Association and the skills required to strengthen the yoga ecosystem in India and abroad.
The second panel discussion, chaired by Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, opened a profound space for deep reflection on the evolving role of the Indian Yoga Association. Dr. Bhavanani began by outlining what he described as the three fundamental pillars of IYA’s work. The first, he said, is the preservation and progression of authentic yoga traditions—protecting the living lineages of India while offering frameworks that enable their meaningful and contemporary growth. The second pillar emphasises strengthening certification, accreditation and member support so that yoga professionals receive not only recognition but also improved livelihood prospects, confidence and a strong professional identity. The third pillar focuses on communication and outreach, ensuring that IYA engages effectively with the public, government systems and global communities through structured, meaningful initiatives that carry the voice of authentic yoga to wider audiences.
Building on this foundation, the panel turned its attention to the landscape of yoga participation in India. While crores of Indians express curiosity and interest in yoga every year, the conversion to regular, committed practice remains surprisingly low. This gap, panelists noted, must be addressed through creative and targeted outreach models—such as simple, accessible “five-minute activation practices” at workplaces or community spaces that can serve as gentle entry points, eventually inspiring deeper engagement with yoga.
A particularly promising area highlighted was the potential of corporate and CSR engagement. Panel speakers suggested developing an “assembly line” of ready-to-implement projects in areas like women’s health, student wellbeing, workforce wellness, and vulnerable communities. These modules could be offered to PSUs and major corporates such as TATA, SAIL, NTPC, Coal India and others, enabling long-term collaborations that would bring yoga into the mainstream fabric of organisational and social wellbeing.
Education emerged as another major theme. The panel expressed the need for a structured, ongoing academic and professional development framework for yoga practitioners. Dr. Bhavanani proposed the creation of CARE — Continuous Academics, Research and Education in Yoga, a robust system designed to elevate teachers’ knowledge, deepen their understanding of classical texts and strengthen overall pedagogy. Alongside this, the importance of communication and soft skills was repeatedly emphasised. While many teachers possess strong technical ability, not all are equally comfortable with public communication, interpersonal sensitivity or multicultural contexts—skills essential for reaching diverse audiences both within India and internationally.
Skill orientation for yoga teachers was discussed with great seriousness. Panelists stressed the need to equip teachers with the ability to assess student readiness, adapt practices responsibly, study scriptures with depth, understand cultural nuances when teaching globally, and uphold safe, ethical standards in their classes. Concern was raised over the growing trend of candidates appearing for YCB exams after short-term courses, diluting the very standards that organisations like IYA strive to uphold. Stronger foundational training was identified as crucial to maintaining IYA’s credibility and the integrity of yoga education.
The conversation then shifted to global opportunities. Several speakers shared examples of alumni from Indian yoga institutions who now teach worldwide and how they could be formally connected to IYA through Associate Centre affiliations or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Alumni networks, the panel observed, are a powerful but underutilised channel through which IYA can expand its international presence, reputation and influence.
Integrating yoga with traditional medicine and healthcare emerged as another rich area of discussion. With global interest in Ayurveda, Siddha, naturopathy and traditional healing systems rising rapidly, yoga therapy holds immense potential in hospitals, nursing programmes, psychology departments and wellness centres. As the global medical and wellness industry expands, so does the need for trained, credible yoga professionals—marking this as a fertile ground for IYA’s future initiatives.
A cautionary reflection came toward the end of the session. While short-duration practices of five or ten minutes can be useful as introductory tools, panelists warned against mistaking them for complete yoga solutions. Depth, time, personalisation and adherence to classical principles remain essential to authentic yoga education. They urged State Chapters to reinforce high standards uniformly and guard against superficial trends.
The panel concluded with a clear and hopeful message: the future of the Indian Yoga Association is bright, but it calls for collective responsibility, professional excellence and unity among State Chapters. Under Dr. Bhavanani’s insightful moderation, the session moved from reflection to actionable pathways—embracing skill development, international engagement, systemic strengthening and a deeper rooting of yoga education. This discussion enriched the spirit of the Conclave, offering direction and inspiration as the gathering moved forward into the next phases of deliberation.
DAY 3 – GRATITUDE, COMPLETION & A NEW BEGINNING
The final morning started with Nature walk and a grounding yoga session led by Shri Amit Negi, Joint Secretary, Uttarakhand SCC. The practice helped participants integrate the intensity of the previous day’s discussions with inner calm and renewed clarity.
Following breakfast, the Valedictory Session led by the Uttarakhand State Chapter created an atmosphere of gratitude and fulfilment. Representatives expressed their reflections on the Conclave — how the mountains, the masters, and the collective spirit had together created a transformative space for all.
As the gathering prepared to disperse, there was no sense of ending — only continuity. A deeper sense of unity among State Chapters, a clearer commitment to standards and authenticity, and a renewed excitement for IYA’s national and global mission filled the air.
The Flame Carries Forward
The 5th National Conclave of the Indian Yoga Association was not merely a meeting of minds; it was a meeting of hearts, traditions and visions. In the silent embrace of the Himalayas, yoga’s custodians reviewed the past, reflected on the present and imagined the future.
The light lit at the inauguration now travels with each participant — into their work, their centres, their State Chapters, and ultimately into the homes, institutions and communities across India.
The mountains witnessed it.
The masters blessed it.
The members carried it.
And the Indian Yoga Association now steps into its next chapter — stronger, clearer and more united than ever before.