– Pratik Bijlani
On June 21, the Directorate General of Shipping, in partnership with The Shipping Corporation of India Limited and Shir Ambika Yoga Kutir, held the 10th International Day of Yoga at the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Mumbai. This event emphasised the significant benefits of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, which aligned with the 2024 topic, Yoga for Self and Society. The subject emphasises yoga’s critical role in improving health and well-being on both an individual and societal level.
Shri Ambika Yoga Kutir was founded in 1965 with the goal of using yoga to make the world a healthier and more peaceful place. The organisation offers fundamental yoga training for free, making yoga accessible to all. This ambition is perfectly aligned with the goals of International Yoga Day, which aims to raise global awareness of yoga’s advantages.
It was attended by renowned maritime dignitaries such as Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Capt MP Bhasin, Chairman of CMMI, and Capt Nazir Upadhye, MD of Sibamar Marine Logistics. These leaders joined other notable figures in commemorating the anniversary, emphasising the significance of yoga for seafarers and the nautical community.
This event was also part of the “Sagar Mein Yog” project, which debuted at the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023. Sagar Mein Yog’ strives to raise the profile of yoga among seafarers, both at sea and ashore, through programmes customised to their specific work settings. The programme aims to improve the physical and emotional well-being of seafarers, in line with the spirit of International Yoga Day.
To guarantee diversity and accessibility, the event was held in a hybrid format, with attendees able to join online. Port officials, unions representing seafarers and shipowners, RPSL and shipping corporations, and marine training colleges were among those in attendance. This widespread engagement inspired Indian sailors to take part in the big event, strengthening the community’s dedication to fostering well-being.
Mr Jagannathan delivered a sincere welcoming speech to the crowd (in Hindi), A warm welcome to you all, those who are able to make it here despite the rain, and to all those who are here online as well, he remarked, recognising the efforts of those who defied the elements and participated digitally in the celebration.
Following the welcome address, attendees participated in a one-hour guided yoga session. A proficient yoga instructor and her aides guided the practice, exhibiting various asanas and kriyas. The programme delivered a holistic experience, focusing on physical postures, breathing methods, and meditation with the goal of improving the participants’ entire well-being.
The event’s hybrid format enabled sailors from many areas to participate, establishing a sense of solidarity and common purpose. This inclusivity was critical in bringing the advantages of yoga to a wider audience, particularly those who frequently encounter difficult work settings and long times away from home.
The collaboration between the Directorate General of Shipping, the Shipping Corporation of India, and Shri Ambika Yoga Kutir demonstrated the joint effort to improve the quality of life for sailors. By incorporating yoga into their routines, sailors can better manage the physical and mental demands of their jobs, resulting in a healthier and more balanced existence.
The celebration of the 10th International Day of Yoga at MTI Powai was a huge success. It emphasised the importance of yoga in boosting physical and mental health, particularly among the nautical community. The programme demonstrated how traditional disciplines such as yoga may be applied to modern circumstances, providing significant assistance to individuals working in the maritime industry.
Marex Media