Why kids should celebrate Yoga day

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Children can benefit from yoga on International Yoga Day, improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being by incorporating it into their daily routines. An ancient practice that originated in India, Yoga is renowned for its physical, mental, and emotional benefits. While it might seem like a discipline more suited for adults seeking calm and fitness, yoga also holds immense potential for children.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount for individuals of all ages, especially in our fast-paced modern world. While adults can still find time to incorporate activities like working out at the gym, running, or yoga into their schedules, children often get caught up in the whirlwind of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and digital entertainment, neglecting their overall well-being.

The pressures of modern life can easily encroach upon the precious moments of play and relaxation that are vital for their health. It is crucial to introduce children to practices that can help them navigate these pressures in a healthy manner. One such practice is yoga, and what better day to start than on International Yoga Day?
An ancient practice that originated in India, Yoga is renowned for its physical, mental, and emotional benefits. While it might seem like a discipline more suited for adults seeking calm and fitness, yoga also holds immense potential for children. Research has demonstrated that yoga and mindfulness practices can significantly enhance both physical and mental health in school-age children (ages 6 to 12). Yoga has been shown to improve balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children. Additionally, yoga and mindfulness offer psychological advantages as well. A growing body of evidence suggests that yoga can improve children’s focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behaviour.
Children today face unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety stemming from academic pressures, social challenges, and the pervasive influence of technology. In addition to physical health, yoga significantly impacts mental and emotional well-being. It teaches mindfulness, a practice that helps children stay present and focused. Breathing exercises and meditation techniques can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and foster a sense of inner peace.

For growing children, physical activity is indispensable. Yoga provides a holistic approach to exercise, enhancing flexibility, strength, and coordination. Unlike competitive sports, yoga emphasizes personal growth and self-awareness. As children practice various poses, they become more attuned to their bodies, learning to appreciate and respect their physical capabilities. This self-awareness can lead to healthier lifestyle choices as they grow older.

Yoga sessions often include group activities that promote collaboration and empathy. Partner poses and group exercises can help children develop social skills and build a sense of community. They learn to support each other, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts amicably. These social-emotional skills are crucial for their overall development and future relationships.
It is essential to incorporate yoga in playtime. However, transforming playtime into zen time doesn’t mean taking away the fun. On the contrary, yoga can be integrated into play in creative and engaging ways. Animal poses like the downward dog, cobra, frog, crow, and cat can especially appeal to young children. Pranayama and deep breathing exercises can help alleviate anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. Story-based yoga sessions, where poses are woven into narratives, can captivate their imaginations while imparting the benefits of yoga.

International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21st, is the perfect opportunity to introduce yoga to children. Schools, community centres, and families can organise special yoga sessions, workshops, and events to mark the occasion. Encouraging children to participate in Yoga Day can set the stage for incorporating yoga into their daily routines.
By introducing children to the powerful tools of yoga, we can inspire a new generation to embrace this ancient practice, turning their playtime into zen time and setting them on a path toward holistic well-being. Let’s encourage our children to unroll their mats, take a deep breath, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and wellness. Happy Yoga Day!

(Author: Mr. Shaji Kuttiani, Director Sports Events, VIBGYOR Group of Schools)

Emphasis on holistic development, including physical, emotional and social well-being of students

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By Shim Mathew,
Director of Academic Operations, Initiatives & International Partnerships, VIBGYOR Group of Schools


For decades, the primary focus of K-12 education has been academic achievement. However, a notable shift is underway, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to student development. With the advent of Education 4.0, associated with the fourth industrial revolution, there’s a growing recognition that academic rigour alone is insufficient for preparing students for the challenges of the future. Education 4.0 aims to revolutionise the educational landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology and automation, focusing on nurturing essential skills like problem-solving and collaboration. Moreover, it champions the concept of lifelong learning, empowering learners to take charge of their educational journey.


This shift signifies a departure from viewing students merely as recipients of knowledge to recognising them as multifaceted individuals with diverse needs. It underscores the importance of addressing not just academic proficiency but also the physical, emotional, and social well-being of students. By embracing a holistic approach, education endeavours to create an environment where students can thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially. In this article, we delve into the significance of holistic education and its profound impact on the lives of students.


First and foremost, holistic development recognises that education extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. It encompasses physical health, encouraging students to engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and prioritise their overall well-being. Physical activity not only fosters physical fitness but also enhances cognitive abilities, concentration, and academic performance. Schools promoting holistic development often integrate sports, yoga, and other recreational activities into their curriculum, providing students with opportunities to explore and excel in various physical pursuits.


Equally crucial is the cultivation of emotional intelligence. In today’s complex and interconnected world, the ability to understand and manage emotions is paramount. Holistic education endeavours to create safe and supportive environments where students can freely express their feelings, develop empathy, and build resilience. By incorporating mindfulness practices, emotional literacy programs, and counselling services, schools empower students to navigate challenges, form healthy relationships, and cope with stress effectively.


Furthermore, holistic development emphasises the importance of social well-being. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge in isolation but also about learning to collaborate, communicate, and connect with others. Schools play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and mutual respect among students. Group projects, peer mentoring initiatives, and community service opportunities not only promote teamwork but also instil values of empathy, altruism, and social responsibility.


One of the key benefits of holistic education is its ability to cater to the diverse needs and talents of students. While traditional academic systems may prioritise certain types of intelligence, such as linguistic or logical-mathematical, holistic approaches recognise and celebrate the myriad of intelligence present in every individual. Whether it’s artistic expression, musical talent, or kinesthetic ability, holistic education provides avenues for students to explore and develop their unique gifts, fostering a sense of fulfilment and empowerment. Moreover, holistic development nurtures lifelong learners who are equipped with the skills, attitudes, and values necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity, schools empower students to adapt to change, think innovatively, and pursue their passions with purpose. In a rapidly changing job market, where soft skills and adaptability are highly prized, holistic education equips students with the tools they need to succeed beyond the confines of traditional academia.


In addition to its benefits, holistic development also holds the potential to create a more equitable and compassionate society. By addressing the holistic needs of students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, education becomes a vehicle for social justice and empowerment. Through inclusive policies, culturally relevant curriculum, and equitable access to resources, holistic education seeks to level the playing field and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential.
However, the realisation of holistic education requires a collective effort from educators, policymakers, parents, and society at large. It demands a shift in mindset, away from narrow metrics of success towards a broader understanding of human flourishing. It calls for investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure to support holistic approaches in schools. It necessitates collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders to envision and enact educational systems that prioritise the holistic development of every child.


In conclusion, holistic development is not merely a lofty ideal but a fundamental imperative in education. By nurturing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of students, holistic education cultivates individuals who are not only academically proficient but also resilient, empathetic, and socially responsible. It holds the promise of a brighter future, where education catalyses personal growth, social transformation, and collective well-being. As we embark on this journey towards holistic education, let us embrace the inherent potential of every child and strive to create learning environments that empower them to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

The 21st Century Student

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Kavita Sahay Rapidly changing times, a generation of dynamic youth exposed to a wealth of information, and parents wondering about the legacy their children will inherit.

The future will be drastically different from what it is now and equipping our children with the right survival skills is crucial. The world today is dominated by a few factors that require observation and understanding. Climate change is now an undeniable reality. Technology, with its rate of progress, will eliminate many current applications.

So, what are the pre requisites to be successful in the future? What should the children imbibe to become inheritors of an idyllic world?

Most importantly, emotional intelligence and creativity will go a long way to make our children resilient. Add to that a passion to excel in one’s chosen field. Keeping the ear to the ground, developing an open minded approach, seizing opportunities that come along, also, a willingness to be a lifelong learner.

For young people, thinking of themselves as a work in progress, as continuing on their journey to excellence, is a fantastic attitude to cultivate. It keeps one feeling young and fresh and raring to go.

To be close to nature and aware of issues is also imperative. This sensitivity led a 16 year old girl from Bengaluru to develop an app to monitor water pollution in lakes. She not only won awards and accolades for her work but a minor planet in the Milky Way is going to be named after her.

Let us inspire our children to think positively for the present and the future.
Let us tell them:
Dream and keep dreaming…keep adding to your dreams…let them soar as high as your imagination can take you. Work to achieve your dreams. And then you will be one among the stars.



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