Puttur: The 11th International Yoga Day celebration titled “Yoga Sangama” held at the St Philomena Campus, Puttur, under the joint auspices of the NCC (Army and Navy wings) and NSS units of St Philomena College (Autonomous), the NCC unit of St Philomena Pre-University College, and the NCC unit of St Philomena Aided High School. The event was organized in line with the theme “One Earth, One Health through Yoga” and was hosted in the auditorium of St Philomena Aided High School.

The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, Correspondent of Mai De Deus Educational Institutions. He inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and shared a profound message on the significance of yoga in life. “Life is a divine gift. To lead a meaningful life, yoga is essential. Joy resides in our heart and soul. We must maintain a constant connection with the Divine. In this regard, prayer and yoga serve as vital links. We must cultivate good relationships with others and live in harmony with nature,” he remarked.

Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena College (Autonomous), who graced the occasion as a guest of honour, addressed the gathering and highlighted the contemporary relevance of yoga. “A person with a healthy body, mind, and soul is truly strong. One of the most pressing issues today is psychological stress. Yoga purifies not just the body but also the mind and soul,” he stated.

Rev. Fr Ashok Ryan Crasta, Principal of St Philomena Pre-University College, and Rev. Fr Maxin D’Souza, Headmaster of St Philomena Aided High School graced occasion.

Clement Pinto, Naval Wing Officer of NCC at St Philomena Aided High School, extended a warm welcome. Dr Chandrashekar K., NSS Programme Officer at St Philomena College (Autonomous), proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Tejaswi Bhat, Naval Wing Officer of NCC at St Philomena College (Autonomous). Pushpa N., NSS Programme Officer at St Philomena College (Autonomous), was also present. A. S. Ponnappa, a well-wisher and distinguished alumnus of the college, contributed by capturing the memorable moments of the celebration through photography.

The Yoga Sangama event was organized under the leadership of Captain Johnson David Sequeira, Army Wing Officer of NCC at St Philomena College (Autonomous), and Chief Officer Peter Naresh Lobo, Army Wing Officer of NCC at St Philomena Aided High School.

NCC cadets of both Army and Navy wings from St Philomena College (Autonomous) and St Philomena Pre-University College, the NCC cadets from St Philomena Aided High School, NSS volunteers from the degree college, and faculty members from the institution participated in the event. The participants engaged in a practical yoga session lasting about 30 minutes, performing a series of yogic postures that emphasized wellness, discipline, and inner harmony.