The Department of Medical Surgical Nursing (MSN) and Community Health Nursing (CHN), Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, Manipal, observed International Yoga Day 2026 on 19.06.2026 with programs conducted in two schools of Udupi district. The theme of International Yoga Day 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” highlights the role of yoga in promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing illness, enhancing mobility, reducing stress, and improving quality of life across all age groups.

The activity by the Department of MSN was organized in collaboration with the Division of Yoga, Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR), MAHE, Manipal, at SDPT PU College, Mandarthi, Brahmavara Taluk, Udupi District. The program was held from 10:40 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. to raise awareness among students regarding the importance of yoga in maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The program commenced with an introduction to yoga and a warm welcome to the gathering by Dr. Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. The Principal of SDPT PU College, Mr. Nithyananda Shetty, addressed the participants and spoke about India’s invaluable contributions to the world through Ayurveda and Yoga. He emphasized the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life to achieve physical fitness, mental peace, and overall well-being.

The resource person, Dr. Athmika Shetty, Assistant Professor, Division of Yoga, CIMR, MAHE, Manipal, conducted an engaging yoga practice session for the participants. She demonstrated various asanas and explained their benefits to students, including reducing stress, enhancing concentration, improving flexibility, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

A total of 63 Pre-University students actively participated and benefited from the session. The event concluded with the expression of gratitude from Ms. Catherine Nancy M, Lecturer, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. Overall, the program was coordinated by Dr. Melita Sheilini and Ms. Catherine Nancy, along with Mrs. Julliet Abraham and Mrs. Reshma R. Kotian, PhD Scholars, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, under the guidance of Dr. Jyothi Chakrabarty, Professor and Head, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal.

The Department of CHN organized the activity at the Government Aided Higher Primary School, Indiranagar, Kukkikatte, Udupi. The session on Yoga was conducted by Ms. Shobha Sundaramma Shetty, MSc Yoga, Omkar Yoga Centre, Udupi, which highlighted the benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and emotional well-being and demonstrated various yoga asana practices.

A total of 120 students from 1st to 7th standard, along with their teachers, actively participated in the program. Mrs. Clara Pramila D’Souza, under the guidance of Dr. Malathi G. Nayak, HOD, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, coordinated the program.

The activities of the program were aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting awareness of the importance of yoga and encouraging participants to incorporate it into their daily lives to achieve holistic health and well-being.