The Indian Yoga Association (IYA), Puducherry Chapter organized a Regional Workshop on Women’s Health through Yoga on the 15th of March 2025 in collaboration with College of Nursing, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (CON, IGMC & RI), the Society of Midwives India – Puducherry Chapter and the Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine (ISCM) of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Puducherry at the IGMC&RI, Puducherry. This event was organised in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on the eighth of March every year. The theme of IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action.”
The program commenced with a prayer song by students of the School of Yoga Therapy (SYT), ISCM, SBV. An invigorating welcome address by Yogathilakam Prof. Dr. Meena Ramanathan, Principal, SYT, ISCM, SBV & Vice- President IYA, Puducherry Chapter set the energy and the mood for the grand celebration of IWD. She welcomed the Chief Guest of the event Shri .K. Lakshmi Narayan, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Public Works, Civil Aviation, Fisheries, Law & IT, along with other dignitaries on the dais, Shri KPS @S Ramesh, MLA, Dr. Udayashankar, Director, IGMC&RI, Dr Ramachandra Bhat, Dean, IGMC&RI, Puduvai Kalaimamani Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Director, ISCM, SBV & President, IYA Pondicherry, Dr. E. Premila, Principal, CON, IGMC & RI, Vice-President, IYA-Pondicherry, Dr. Ganesh, Vice-Principal, CON, the chief facilitators Mrs. S. Praveena & Mr. K. Sundaramoorthi, Faculty of Nursing, CON, IGMC&RI; the program coordinators Dr Santoshkumari Secretary Society of Midwives India – Puducherry Chapter and Yogathilakam Dr R Balaji, the General secretary IYA Puducherry Chapter. She also extended a warm welcome to the resource persons of the event Yogacharini Smt. Devasena Bhavanani, HOD of Bharatanatyam, Yoganjali Natyalayam & Vice-President, SPYSA, and Dr. Rajalakshmi, Medical Officer, Siddha, Government of Puducherry., all the top 10 women awardees and the other participants of the event.
After the dignitaries on the dais were honoured the award ceremony began. Two eminent women Yogacharini Smt. Devasena Bhavanani and Yogathilakam Prof. Dr. Meena Ramanathan who had received “Lifetime Achievement Award “ from the GRABS Eductional Charitable Trust were honoured and felicitated by Hon. Minister Shri. K. Lakshmi Narayanan Avl., followed by the awards given to “Top 10 Women of Puducherry Award 2025” awarded to YogaThilakam Smt. Lalitha Shanmugam (Senior Faculty & PRO, Yoganjali Natyalayam) and Kalai Ilanthendral Ms. Dhivya Priya Bhavanani (Convenor of Youth Affairs, IYA-Pondicherry & Deputy Director, Yoganjali Natyalayam) and to other dyamic shaktis of Puducherry in recognition to their yeoman services in their respective fields.
Hon. Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan while addressing the gathering emphasized the importance of Yoga in women’s health and how important it is to start early. He also highlighted upon the Puducherry government’s staunch support and commitment to such activities. Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani delivered the keynote address on the Role of Yoga in women’s health. He expressed his admiration and respect to women in all the fields for their capacity and potential in multitasking various responsibilities. He explained various scientific aspects connected to the Yogic concepts and practices and how they bring about beneficial changes in the practitioners.
The workshop also included the energising, interactive and enjoyable practice session on “Accelerate Women’s Health through Yoga” led by Yogacharini Devasena Bhavanani & Yogachemmal Dr. Rajalakshmi. The event witnessed active and enthusiastic participation by the students of faculty of Nursing, students from SYT, ISCM along with other eminent guests who had participated in the event. YogaThilakam Dr. Balaji. R delivered the vote of thanks, and the workshop concluded with the National Anthem.
On the whole it was a very fruitful and successful event encompassing the workshop that promoted women’s well-being through Yoga as well as the recognition given to many distinguished women for their respective contributions in various fields with due honour and respect.
