The 8th International Conference on Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Sastra Sangamam, was organized by Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, in collaboration with the Center for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh. The conference was held at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari, from February 28 to March 2, 2025, with the participation of 700 attendees, including delegates, guests, and the organizing team.
Sixty-five renowned yoga institutions, including Mahatma Gandhi University, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Aarambh Yoga Institute, BARC Yoga Circle, Bihar School of Yoga, Bodhi School of Yoga, Ghantali Mitra Mandal, Jadavpur University, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Kshitij Centre of Yog and Ayurved, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research, NIMHANS, Sanatana Yoga Vignana Kendra, Sadhguru Yoga Vidyalayam, Satyam Traditional Yoga, Satyananda Yoga Centre, Scientific Pranayama Foundation Trust, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Academy, SVYASA University, Thane School of Yoga, The World Community Service Centre, Vethathiri Maharishi College of Yoga, Yoga Bharati Foundation, and many others, were represented at the conference. The event featured five plenary sessions and fifteen parallel paper presentation sessions held across five venues within the campus, with 150 scholarly papers presented on Yoga Vasistha.
The three-day conference commenced with Patanjali Homam, featuring the chanting of the 108 names of Maharishi Patanjali at 6 AM each day, followed by yoga practice sessions. The asana practice was led by Sanyasi Shivarishi Ji from the Satyananda Yoga Centre, Chennai, while the pranayama sessions were conducted by Dr. Devaki Madhav from the Scientific Pranayama Foundation Trust, Mysore.
The conference was graced by the presence of Paramacharya Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, the spiritual successor of Swami Satyananda Saraswati and a 2017 Padma Bhushan awardee. His inspiring presence and profound wisdom deeply influenced the delegates, enriching the discussions with invaluable insights.
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session took place on February 28 at Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham. The event was honored by the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Mananeeya Sri Balakrishnanji, All-India President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra; and Dr. Harilakshmeendra Kumar, Director of the Centre for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University.
In his address, Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar emphasized the significance of the Yoga Sastra Sangamam in promoting the philosophy of yoga and preserving ancient wisdom. The conference proceedings, containing abstracts of the presented papers, were released during the inaugural session. Additionally, the book ‘Yoga Practice: A Handbook for Higher Education’, authored by Dr. Padmanabhan TV and Dr. Harilakshmeendra Kumar, was unveiled.
The delegates were treated to a captivating dance recital (Natya Yoga) by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kanyakumari. Additionally, a visit was organized to the exhibitions on the campus and the mid-sea Vivekananda Rock Memorial, offering them a chance to get inspired by Swami Vivekananda. An opportunity was also provided for delegates to showcase their advanced yoga postures, and unique talents, highlighting their expertise and dedication to the practice.
Plenary Sessions and Presentations
The plenary sessions featured renowned speakers, including Sri T. Raghunandan, Dr. K. Subrahmanyam (Chancellor of SVYASA, Bengaluru), Yogashri N.V. Raghuram, and Paramacharya Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati. Each session provided deep insights into Yoga Vasistha, demonstrating its relevance to contemporary yoga practice.
Several engaging events were conducted as part of the conference, including paper presentations, poster presentations, and Patanjali Yoga Sutra chanting competitions. Over 150 scholars presented their papers across fifteen parallel sessions, held at five different venues over the first two days. Eminent scholars served as moderators, ensuring insightful discussions and guiding the sessions with their expertise. The posters, created by delegates, illustrated various concepts of Yoga Vasistha and were prominently displayed outside the auditorium.
Valedictory Function
The valedictory session was held on March 2, beginning with the chanting of the 108 names of Maharishi Patanjali, followed by the collective recitation of all four Padas of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras by the delegates.
The function was graced by Dr. TV Padmanabhan Ji, Visiting Faculty at the Centre for Yoga and Naturopathy, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; Smt. Sushma Maurya, Head of Aarambh Yog, Mumbai; Sri Raghunandan Ji, author of the book ‘The Wisdom of Vasistha’; Sri Anand Sahasrabuddhe Ji, Yoga Teacher from Thane; and Sanyasi Krishnayogam Ji from the Satyananda Yoga Centre, West Mambalam, Chennai. Their presence added great value to the valedictory ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of Yoga Sastra Sangamam 2025.
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