Yoga Day Celebration

International Yoga Day Celebrated at Government College of Teacher Education, Thycaud

The Government College of Teacher Education (GCTE) in Thycaud, Kerala, vibrated with enthusiasm on the occasion of International Yoga Day. The program, held on 21 June 2024 , aimed to raise awareness about the ancient practice of yoga and its profound impact on physical and mental well-being.

A Solemn Beginning

The program commenced with an air of reverence as Agra, a member of the Sanskrit department, led a prayerful invocation. This set the tone for a day focused on mindfulness and inner peace.

Importance of Yoga Day Highlighted

Following the prayer, the esteemed union chairman, Amal R., took the stage to deliver a captivating speech. He emphasized the significance of International Yoga Day, highlighting its role in promoting yoga as a universal practice that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. His words likely resonated with the audience, reminding them of the day's core purpose.

A Warm Welcome with Sanskrit Chanting

Malavika V., another member of the Sanskrit department, then gracefully presented the Singh Patanjali namaskar. This traditional Sanskrit chant, often associated with the revered yoga master Patanjali, served as a warm welcome to the practice of yoga itself.

Diverse Perspectives: Staff Members Share their Views

The program delved deeper with staff secretary Dr. Saiba and physical education teacher Dr. Rosh Kumar presenting their viewpoints on the importance of yoga. Their unique perspectives, likely informed by their respective professional backgrounds, enriched the understanding of yoga's multifaceted benefits.

A Playful Interlude: Celebrating National Music Day

A delightful twist came with a game centered around Indian music. Participants were invited to test their knowledge by guessing singers, music directors, and songs. This lighthearted activity, coinciding with National Music Day, offered a welcome break while still maintaining the theme of cultural celebration.

The Heart of the Program: Yoga Demonstration

The program's core event, the yoga demonstration, captivated the audience. 

Daya Baburaj,

 Sherin Varghese ,

 Amal R.

 Jayalekshmi V.V.,

 all accomplished yoga practitioners, presented a series of asanas (postures) and breathing techniques. Their graceful movements and clear explanations likely inspired many attendees to consider incorporating yoga into their own lives.

Yoga postures Performed 

Sukasana 

Vajrasana 

Balasana 

Tadasana 

Uttanasana 

Vrikshasana

Trikonasana 

Badda konasana(butterfly )

Bhujangasana 

Adho mukha svanasana (dog pose )

Shavasana

Active Participation: Engaged Students

The success of the program was further amplified by the active participation of a significant number of students. Anupriya T.V.

 Abhirami K.,

 Suhana,

 Afna, 

Haritha Y.A., Keerthana U., Krishnan K.K., Saranya 

Suganya Ramachandran all enthusiastically joined the yoga practice. Their presence and dedication embodied the spirit of International Yoga Day, showcasing the potential of yoga to unite people of all ages and backgrounds.

Beyond the Asanas: A Lasting Impact

The International Yoga Day program at GCTE, Thycaud, extended far beyond the physical practice of asanas. The event served as a platform to:

Raise awareness: It effectively disseminated knowledge about the benefits of yoga for both physical and mental health.

Promote inclusivity: The welcoming atmosphere encouraged participation from a diverse range of students and staff, fostering a sense of community.

Celebrate tradition: The incorporation of Sanskrit chanting and Indian music underscored the rich cultural heritage associated with yoga.

A Call to Action

The program likely served as a springboard for many attendees to explore the world of yoga further. The college authorities could consider capitalizing on this momentum by:

Organizing regular yoga sessions: Offering ongoing yoga classes within the college premises would provide students and staff with the opportunity to deepen their practice.

Inviting guest speakers: Hosting renowned yoga instructors or practitioners could offer participants exposure to different yoga styles and philosophies.

Creating a yoga club: Establishing a dedicated club would foster a supportive community for yoga enthusiasts within the college.

By taking these steps, GCTE, Thycaud, can establish itself as a hub for promoting the practice of yoga and its positive impact on the lives of its students and staff.

Conclusion

The International Yoga Day program at GCTE, Thycaud, was a resounding success. The combination of informative speeches, engaging activities, and a captivating yoga demonstration left a lasting impression on all who participated. The program not only celebrated the ancient practice of yoga but also ignited a passion for its transformative potential within the college community.

ENVIRONMENTAL CELEBRATION @ G.C.T.E

On June 5th, 2024, the Eco Club, in association with Daksha College Union, outstanding an impactful celebration of World Environment Day at the General Hall of Government College of Teacher Education (GCTE), Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” highlighted the urgent need to address land degradation, which affects up to 40% of the planet’s land and directly impacts half of the world’s population, according to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Coordinated by Smt. Asha Krishnan (Assistant Professor) and convened by Dr. A.V. Sujith (Principal), the event was meticulously planned to not only raise awareness but also to inspire actionable steps towards environmental sustainability. 

The program commenced with a serene prayer led by Daya Baburaj, setting a reflective and earnest tone for the day’s proceedings. Aslamiya N.S. delivered a compelling welcome address, underscoring the significance of World Environment Day. She highlighted the historical context of the event, first celebrated in 1973 under the slogan “Only One Earth,” and emphasized the collective efforts required to combat the pressing environmental issues of our time. Dr. A.V. Sujith, in his presidential address, stressed the critical role that educational institutions play in fostering environmental stewardship. He encouraged students and faculty alike to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives and academic pursuits.

 His address was a call to action, urging everyone to contribute to a sustainable future. The formal inauguration was carried out by Shri. G. Madhavadas, Ward Counsellor of Thycaud. Dr. Madhavadas spoke passionately about community initiatives and the pivotal role of local governance in environmental conservation. He praised the proactive approach of the college and its students, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in achieving significant environmental goals. A major highlight of the event was the resource talk by Dr. Sujith V. Gopalan, a distinguished conservation biologist and consultant. He focused on the current environmental challenges, particularly land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience. 

He provided a comprehensive analysis of these issues and their global impact, aligning his discussion with the 2024 theme. His insights were not only educational but also inspirational, motivating the attendees to think critically about their role in mitigating environmental degradation. Following Dr. Gopalan’s talk, felicitations were offered by Dr. Shiba T.C (Assistant Professor) and Amal R (College Union Chairman). Both speakers acknowledged the commendable efforts of the volunteers and emphasized the importance of ongoing commitment to environmental causes. Their speeches reinforced the collective responsibility we share in ensuring a sustainable future. The event also featured a series of engaging activities designed to translate the day’s discussions into concrete actions.

Volunteers of the Haritha Karma Sena were honoured for their dedicated efforts in promoting sustainability and green practices within the community. Students presented well-researched papers on various environmental topics, showcasing their innovative ideas for addressing environmental challenges. These presentations highlighted the academic community’s engagement with and commitment to environmental issues. The program concluded with a symbolic yet impactful activity: the planting of seedlings. This act of planting not only symbolized the day’s theme but also represented a tangible commitment to nurturing the planet. The event’s conclusion with the planting ceremony encapsulated the essence of World Environment Day, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained action. Ganga B.S. delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the event’s success. She highlighted the collaborative effort involved in organizing such a significant event and reiterated the importance of continuing these efforts beyond World Environment Day. Throughout the event, Meenu Jose’s seamless anchoring ensured the program flowed smoothly and kept the audience engaged. The World Environment Day celebration by the Eco Club, in association with Daksha College Union, was a resounding success. It effectively raised awareness about critical environmental issues and inspired participants to take concrete actions towards sustainability. The event exemplified the power of community and education in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, reminding us all that while World Environment Day is a cause for celebration, it is also a powerful call to action for the preservation of our planet