As a part of International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VK-RDP), organized large-scale yoga awareness and practice sessions across multiple districts of southern Tamil Nadu. The event, held on 21st June 2025, witnessed overwhelming participation from rural communities, educational institutions, and local organizations.
The day’s celebrations aligned with this year’s IDY theme promoting “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, reaching the grassroots with a focus on health and oneness through yoga.
In Kanyakumari district, RDP volunteers conducted yoga sessions in 19 villages, including Thengamputhoor, Kannambivilai, Kalingarajapuram, and Peyankuzhi. A total of 498 participants actively engaged in the programme. These sessions emphasized simple yogic practices suitable for daily life and were especially focused on children and youth. The local community response was enthusiastic, with several expressing interest in continuing regular yoga practice.
The Tirunelveli district witnessed energetic participation with 516 people across 18 villages such as Ambasamudram, Ilanji, Mannarkoil, and Vallioor. Yoga classes were held in village common areas and community halls, ensuring easy accessibility for villagers. Special focus was given to students and homemakers, who make up a large part of the rural population and benefit significantly from yoga’s holistic approach.
Thoothukudi district emerged as a major hub of activity with a staggering 2,867 participants from over 20 different centres, including both rural locations and schools. Notably, schools such as Govt. School Sekkarakudi, Lakshmi Aalai Hr Sec School and VOC Boys Hr Sec School became focal points of IDY celebration. The largest single gathering took place at Thayilpatti, which saw a massive turnout of 600 participants. This widespread educational involvement reflects the RDP’s sustained efforts to integrate yoga into youth development.
In Ramanathapuram district, IDY sessions were held in 18 villages like Kadambodai, Morepannai, Thiruppullani, and Nambuthalai. A total of 442 people took part in the yoga events, which also included special sessions for children.
In Virudhunagar district, the celebration reached 330 participants, with events conducted in places like Rajapalayam, Kalloorani, and Thiruchuli. These programmes were carried out with the support of local schools and community leaders.
In total, the Rural Development Programme of Vivekananda Kendra mobilized 4,653 participants across five districts—a remarkable feat demonstrating the strength of community involvement and the growing relevance of yoga as a way of life.
