Yoga Event: All Ages Gather At GCU For Inner Peace

News Desk

Lahore: The Government College University (GCU) Lahore celebrated a grand yoga event aimed at promoting mental and physical wellness in society while reducing stress and anxiety.

It was held on the Oval Ground of its campus on Sunday morning, with the participation of around 2,000 yoga practitioners from all across Pakistan, making it one of the largest yoga events in the country.

The event was organised by the University’s recently established Ravian Yoga Club in collaboration with the Pakistan Yoga Council.

Participants of all age groups, from five to eighty years old, were dressed in comfortable yoga attire and led by professional yoga instructors through a series of yoga poses and exercises.

Vice Chancellor Prof Asghar Zaidi highlighted the importance of promoting mental health, particularly in the current challenging times. “Yoga improves not only physical strength and balance, but also reduces stress and anxiety which are becoming more and more common in our society these days,” he said.

~ #YogaDay ~ Sunday, 2k gathered @gcuniversitylhr to promote mental and physical wellness and the response was amazing! It's heartening to see young and old, fit & not so fit, joining hands to spread positivity. Let's continue our journey towards healthy ageing & stronger nation! pic.twitter.com/Ruco8cMwgR

— Asghar Zaidi (@zaidia) February 26, 2023

Dr Asghar Zaidi emphasized the role of such yoga events in fostering a sense of community and belonging, adding that “by making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or physical condition, events like this can help to break down barriers and promote a sense of unity and inclusivity.”

Prof Zaidi, who is also a WHO Geneva global advisor on healthy ageing, underscored the importance of Yoga in old age.  He mentioned the particular importance of social connections, along with the exercise, in greatly contributing to health while ageing.

While expressing gratitude to the Pakistan Yoga Council for their support, he stated that “by working together, we can create a ripple effect of health and wellness that extends far beyond the individual participants at the event.”Kiran Zaidi, a women’s rights activist, appreciated this opportunity for young female students and faculty to practice yoga in a safe and supportive environment. “As a woman, it can be challenging to find safe spaces to collectively exercise and practice self-care,” Kiran said.

“This yoga event provided a supportive and welcoming environment where female students and faculty felt comfortable practising yoga and connecting with other like-minded individuals,” Kiran added.

Yoga professional Yogi Riaz Khokha stated this huge turnout at the GCU Yoga event is a testament to the growing popularity of yoga in Pakistan. “One of the things I love about yoga is that it can be adapted to suit people of all ages and abilities,” he said.

Earlier, on Saturday night, the University also arranged a Sufi music night for the yoga practitioners who came to GCU from other cities for this grand yoga event.

Picture credit: GCU, Lahore