International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024 was celebrated on a grand scale across 200 Tamil schools in Malaysia from June 1 to July 31, 2024. The event, a collaboration between GOPIO Malaysia, the High Commission of India, and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), reached an impressive 22,000 primary school students. Coordinated by GOPIO Malaysia Secretary-General A. Ravendiran Arjunan, the initiative aimed to introduce yoga to young children, emphasizing its numerous benefits in fostering self-discipline, academic excellence, and overall well-being. By making yoga accessible at an early age, the program sought to build a foundation for healthier and more focused lifestyles among the younger generation.

The program was supported by key stakeholders, including Majlis Guru Besar (MGB) and partner organizations such as Sky Yoga Centre, MAIUG, the Malaysian Hindu Lawyers Association, PERTAMA, HYO Port Klang, and HSS. Together, these organizations played a vital role in organizing yoga sessions, ensuring seamless execution, and providing logistical and educational support. Each participating student received a certificate of participation, and the teachers coordinating the activities were recognized with tokens of appreciation. The event not only highlighted yoga’s holistic benefits but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among educators, students, and supporting organizations.

One of the most impactful outcomes of the celebration was the potential for long-term integration of yoga into Tamil schools. The initiative inspired ideas for regular yoga classes, yoga certification programs for teachers, and inter-school yoga competitions. Additionally, efforts are underway to seek official endorsement from the Ministry of Education to formally include yoga in the curriculum for Tamil schools. Such steps aim to ensure that the practice of yoga becomes a sustained part of students’ lives, enhancing their physical and mental well-being while enriching their educational journey.

The IDY 2024 celebration left a lasting legacy by strengthening partnerships between schools, NGOs, and cultural organizations, while inspiring the formation of yoga clubs in schools. It underscored the universal appeal of yoga as a practice that transcends boundaries, promoting harmony, health, and mindfulness. By laying a strong foundation for yoga education, the initiative marked a significant step forward in integrating this ancient discipline into the daily lives of Malaysian students, fostering a generation that is healthier, more focused, and holistically empowered.

List of Tamil Schools and Pupils Participating in the GOPIO International Day of Yoga (IDY) Celebrations with