India’s oldest yoga institute, Kaivalyadham celebrates International Yoga Day.

Actress Elli Avram, Olympian Swimmer and Arjuna Awardee Rehan 

Poncha, join Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajan Welukar and Kaivalyadham 

chairperson Subodh Tiwari in lighting the lamp and beginning 

celebrations, and give an inspiring talk to the students of the Mumbai 

University based on their own practice.

Mumbai, June 21, 2015: Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institution, India’s oldest institute of 

yoga (est.1917), today joined celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as 

declared by the United Nations with a goal to respect the essence of the practice and 

promote its principles, with practice sessions for new and experienced yoga students 

across the city.

8 times national swimming champion, Arjuna Awardee and Olympian swimmer 

Rehan Poncha, one of India’s finest athletes, was guest of honour at the event along 

with actor Elli Avram, who is an ardent yoga practitioner. The two joined Vice 

Chancellor Dr. Rajan Welukar and Kaivalyadham chairperson Subodh Tiwari in 

lighting the lamp and beginning celebrations. An inspiring address to the students by 

each of the guests had students very motivated towards a daily, disciplined practice.

Said Dr. Tiwari, “Kaivalyadham is a pioneering institute in research, training and 

therapy in Yoga. Yoga is India’s cultural heritage and through these celebrations, we 

hope to encourage individuals to be more aware of one’s own self at the physical, 

mental, emotional and spiritual level. Through this day we ignite the flame of Yoga in 

the hearts of many, those who have not yet experienced the bliss of practice.”

Rehan Poncha said, “In competitive sport both flexibility and strength is needed – 

mentally and physically. A regular practice of yoga can provide the foundation for 

both, and must be encouraged. A lot of university and international athletics 

programmes have embraced Yoga as part of their regular curriculum and this is 

something India has gifted the world.”

Elli Avram added, “I have always had an athletic background, and was a professional 

figure skater before entering Bollywood. Since I came to India, I have been practicing 

Yoga and would recommend it to every single person. It is a very effective way to 

sculpt the body, build flexibility and gain mental strength.”   

The celebrations across the city had two components:

Practice of Asana, Pranayama and Dharana: This segment included the practice of 

selected asanas for general health, well-being and self awareness together with simple 

pranayama and concentration of the mind. This module has been developed by the 

Ministry of AYUSH, in consultation with all the Yoga institutes in the country. 

Understanding the philosophy: This segment focuses on the philosophy of Yoga, its 

understanding and experience. This discussion will be with experts from the field, 

who can make it relevant for the participant in today’s perspective.

In addition to the University of Mumbai, Kailvayadham organized practice sessions 

of both components of the celebration across 20 locations in the city including: 

• Kaivalyadhama ICYHC, Marine Drive – open for all

• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Navy Nagar – for staff and family

• Indian Posts, GPO, Fort – for staff and family

• Cricket Club of India (CCI), Brabourne Stadium – for members

• Bombay Electrical Supply and Transportation (BEST), Dindoshi Marg – for staff 

and family

• Mumbai Prison, Byculla, – for prisoners and staff

• State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Goregaon – for staff

• Tata Group of companies – for staff and family

• Indian Coast Guard – for staff and family

• Central Railways – for staff and family

• Western Railways – for staff and family

• Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Thane – for staff and 

family

• SNDT Women’s University, Churchgate – for students and staff

• Indian Navy, Navy Nagar – for staff and family

• King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Parel – for staff and patients

• Lal Baug Cha Raja – for members and family

• Raj Bhavan, Governer’s House – for staff and family

• University of Mumbai, Kalina indoor stadium – open for all.