Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, orchestrated a grand Surya Namaskar demonstration in January 2024 at its premises, attracting the participation of numerous yoga enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

The distinguished event saw the presence of Shri Satyajit Paul, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Ayush, and Smt. Vijayalakshmi Bharadwaj, Director, MDNIY. Joining them were senior officials, MDNIY staff, students, and a multitude of yoga enthusiasts.

Surya Namaskar, a spiritual practice, incorporates asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques. Each step of this holistic practice is accompanied by a mantra, directly invigorating the body's vital energy (prana). Regular engagement with Surya Namaskar fosters a harmonised energy system, benefiting both mental and physical well-being. The sequence not only activates muscles and organs but also enhances concentration and mental stillness.

This mass demonstration was part of a broader series of events organised by the Ministry of Ayush from January 1 to January 14, 2023, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. The series, conducted at various Sun temples across India, marks the Sun's journey from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere.

Building on the success of a simultaneous event held at 108 locations in Gujarat, securing a Guinness World Record for Surya Namaskars, MDNIY continued the series with this second event. Surya Namaskar involves a sequence of eight asanas performed in 12 steps, promoting the coordination of body and mind, and is preferably done during the early morning hours.

More than 500 yoga sadhaks enthusiastically participated in the Surya Namaskar demonstration at MDNIY, with the programme gaining coverage on Doordarshan and being streamed on various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush and MDNIY.