International Yoga Festival 2020 was organised by the Government of Puducherry, Department of Tourism. The Government of Puducherry has been conducting this festival in the month of January for the past 25 years. This is the 26th year of the International Yoga Festival and for the first time Sri Aurobindo Society was invited to participate actively in the International Yoga Festival.
Under the supervision and able guidance of Dr. Sampadananda Mishra a few programmes were organised on behalf of Sri Aurobindo Society. Representatives from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, SACAR, Auroville, Kallarigram actively participated in this collective programme that took place in the Gandhi Thidal opposite to the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the Beach Road.
To mention a few of our work in the programme; Dr. Shruti Bidwaikar from SACAR presented a paper titled Sri Aurobindo - A Mahayogi. Shri. Manoj Pavitran from Auroville presented a paper titled Sri Aurobindo and Future Yoga.
A group of members from the Aurobindo Ashram, SAS and Kalarigram headed by Ms. Surabhi Nandi presented an enchanting cultural programme on the evening of 5th January at the Gandhi Thidal. This cultural programme included carefully selected very rare songs on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. There were also dance performances based on Sri Aurobindo, his poetry, his Sanskrit poetry Bhavani Bharati and songs on Sri Aurobindo.
The programme was attended by hundreds of people and was very well appreciated.
Ms. Deepa Vaitheeshwaran from Kalarigram gave a wonderful introduction to Sri Aurobindo and his Ashram at the commencement of the cultural event and compered the entire event.
At the end of the International Yoga Festival, as icing to the cake, SAS was bestowed with the "Award of Excellence" by the Government of Puducherry, Department of Tourism for its active participation in organising the “Mass Yoga Programme”.
Dr. Sampadananda Mishra received the "Award of Excellence" on behalf of SAS from the dignitaries during the valedictory function that was held on 7th January, 2020 at the Art and Craft Village, Puducherry.
