The programme commenced at 7:00 a.m. with Yoga Abhyasa Varga and Kendra Varga. The practice sessions included TriYoga Abhyasa by Dr. K. Raghavendra Pai, Scientific Pranayama by Dr. Devaki Madhav, and Advanced Asanas by Shri Nagendran. These sessions enabled participants to experience yoga as a harmonious integration of body, mind, and spirit.
The inaugural programme featured captivating Yoga Rhythmic Dance by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kallubalu, under the guidance of Kum. Manjula, showcasing advanced yogic postures with remarkable flexibility and synchronization. A graceful dance presentation on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, choreographed and performed by Kum. Smruthi, beautifully conveyed the philosophical essence of the sutras through Bharatanatyam.
The inaugural session began with Shanti Path, followed by Deep Prajwalan. Shri Prasad A.P., Prant Pramukh, Karnataka Prant, welcomed the gathering and explained that Yoga Shastra Sangamam aims to revive the scriptural understanding of yoga and make it relevant to contemporary society.
The programme was blessed by the presence of Srimat Swami Vireshananda Maharaj of Ramakrishna Math, Bengaluru. Dr. Ahalya S., Vice-Chancellor, Karnataka Sanskrit University, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Suchitra R. Nair, Principal of NMKRV College; Dr. R. Nagarathna of S-VYASA; and Shri Ravi Sharma, All India Yoga Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra, were the Guests of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasized Swami Vivekananda's contribution in presenting yoga as a holistic way of life that integrates physical well-being, mental discipline, spiritual growth, and national reconstruction. They highlighted the relevance of Yama, Niyama, Practical Vedanta, and the Four Yogas in addressing the challenges of modern society and called upon educational institutions to integrate these timeless values into daily life.
A plenary session by Prof. N. V. Raghuram and Dr. Arathi V.B. explored the practical application of Vedanta and yoga for contemporary society, especially the younger generation. Both speakers emphasized that yoga extends far beyond physical practices and serves as a means of self-discovery, inner strength, and holistic living.
Another major highlight was the panel discussion on "Four Paths of Yoga in Daily Life," moderated by Dr. Subramanian A. The panel, comprising Dr. Debi Prasad Mishra, Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy, Smt. Rekha Ramachandra, and Shri Raghunandan, deliberated on the relevance of Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga in modern life. The speakers emphasized character building, mental resilience, value-based education, and the practical application of Swami Vivekananda's teachings in personal and social life.
An energetic Yoga Garba Rhythmic Dance by Shri Anish Paresh Rangrej added a vibrant cultural dimension to the conference.
The post-lunch sessions included research paper presentations, poster presentations, and Patanjali Yoga Sutra chanting. More than 60 scholars, yoga practitioners, and postgraduate research students presented papers and posters on various aspects of yoga inspired by Swami Vivekananda's Vedantic vision. Over 25 participants took part in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra chanting session. The presentations received appreciation from the eminent scholars present.
The keynote address was delivered by Shri Chakravarti Sulibele, who reflected on Swami Vivekananda's extraordinary life and his lasting contribution to humanity. He inspired the participants to translate Swamiji's ideals into purposeful action and selfless service, recalling the message, "It is better to wear out than to rust out."
The valedictory session was held in the divine presence of Swami Maheshwarananda Maharaj, Founder and President of Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashram and Vivekananda Vidyapeetha, Kalaburagi. Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, former Director of NIMHANS and Chairman of the National Medical Commission, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Certificates were distributed to participants of the research paper presentations, poster presentations, and Patanjali Yoga Sutra chanting competition.
A conference proceedings volume containing the accepted research papers was also released during the programme.
The conference witnessed the participation of over 650 delegates, including yoga practitioners, scholars, teachers, students, researchers, and well-wishers. The event served as a meaningful confluence of scriptural wisdom, yoga practice, research, cultural expression, and academic dialogue, reaffirming Swami Vivekananda's vision of yoga as a transformative force for individual excellence and national regeneration.
The programme concluded with expressions of gratitude to NMKRV College, the Indian Yoga Association, the organizing committee, sponsors, and the dedicated Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra, whose wholehearted efforts ensured the grand success of Yoga Shastra Sangamam 2026.
