Yoga Shastra Sangamam 2026 – International Conference of Yoga at Bengaluru

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, in collaboration with NMKRV College, Jayanagar and the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), organized Yoga Shastra Sangamam 2026 on 18th July 2026 at Bengaluru. The conference was centered on the theme "Wisdom of Yoga in the view of Swami Vivekananda", providing a platform for scholars, researchers, yoga practitioners, teachers, and students to explore the deeper dimensions of yoga as presented in Swami Vivekananda's speeches, writings, and letters.

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.

Yoga Shastra Sangamam – State-Level Yoga Conference Organized by VKVAYAM in Solapur

Vivekananda Kendra Vedantic Application of Yoga and Management (VKVAYAM), Solapur, organized the First Regional Yoga Conference – “Yoga Shastra Sangamam” from 26th to 28th June 2026 at Solapur. The central theme of the conference was “Patanjali Yoga Sutras.” The primary objective of the conference was to facilitate an in-depth study of the scientific, practical, and research-oriented aspects of yoga and to promote the yogic way of life on a broader scale.

The three-day conference was attended by around 185 yoga practitioners, researchers, teachers, students, scholars, Vivekananda Kendra karyakartas, and well-wishers from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka.

The inaugural session was held on Friday, 26th June 2026, and was inaugurated by Pujya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati ji of Shruti Sagar Ashram, Phulgaon, Pune District. In his keynote address, he explained that yoga is not limited merely to physical practices like asanas but is a spiritual path leading towards the realization of one’s inner self. He emphasized the importance of studying the deeper aspects of yoga and contemplating the Patanjali Yoga Sutras to understand the purpose and direction of life.

The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Suhasini Shah, Chairperson, Precision Foundation, Solapur. During the session, the Marathi translation of the English book “Meditation: Concept and Process” authored by late Vivekananda Kendra life-worker Shri Satishji Chaukulkar was released. The translated book, titled “Dhyan Sankalpana Paddhati va Anubhuti” (Meditation: Concept, Method and Experience), was translated by Dr. Lalita Namjoshi, Dombivli.

Each day of the conference began with prayer, Aikya Mantra chanting, collective recitation of Patanjali Yoga Sutras, and yoga practice sessions. Bhajan Sandhya programmes were conducted on 26th and 27th June, creating a spiritually uplifting and devotional atmosphere throughout the conference.

The boudhik sessions were among the major highlights of the conference. Four sessions were conducted by eminent scholars who presented various dimensions of yogic philosophy and practice.

On 27th June 2026, Dr. Shriram Agashe ji, yoga philosopher and scholar from Thane, conducted two sessions. The first session focused on Antaranga Yoga (Internal Yoga), and the second session explained the concept of Samapatti in depth. He elaborated on the journey of a seeker from concentration of mind to the attainment of Samadhi. The first session was chaired by Dr. Lakshmikant Dama ji, Vice-Chancellor, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University.

The third boudhik session, held on 28th June 2026, was delivered by Dr. Vikas Gokhale ji, yoga scholar from Thane, on the topic “Karma Yoga in Patanjali’s Yogic Philosophy.” He explained that selfless action, dedication towards duty, and surrender are essential aspects of yogic practice.

The fourth session was conducted by Aadaraneeya Shri Ravi Sharma ji, All India Yoga Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari. He presented Swami Vivekananda’s vision of Raja Yoga and highlighted the importance of mental strength, concentration, self-confidence, and self-realization. The sessions provided participants with deeper insights into the scientific, philosophical, and practical dimensions of yoga.

Three research sessions were conducted during the conference, where 22 research papers were presented. The presentations covered various topics including Antarayas (obstacles) mentioned in Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Ishwara concept, Vibhuti Pada, scientific aspects of yoga, and relevance of yoga in modern life.

The research papers were reviewed by Dr. Lalita Namjoshi, Dr. Narendra Joshi ji, and Dr. Vikas Gokhale ji. Dr. Narendra Joshi presented an insightful analysis of the philosophical and practical aspects of Patanjali Yoga and emphasized that yoga is a holistic approach towards personality development. Dr. Lalita Namjoshi guided participants on research paper preparation and presentation methods. Certificates were awarded to all researchers.

On 27th June 2026, wall displays and posters prepared by participants based on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras were unveiled. Shri Abhay Bapat ji, Maharashtra and Goa Prant Pramukh, introduced participants to the activities, vision, and mission of Vivekananda Kendra.

The cultural programme held on the evening of 27th June 2026 beautifully reflected the integration of yoga, devotion, and Indian culture. Students of Vivekananda Kendra Sanskar Classes presented the activities of the Kendra, including Sanskar Classes, Study Circles, Kendra Classes, Yoga Classes, and various service projects.

Gyan Prabodhini, Solapur, presented the impact of pranayama classes conducted for women working in the beedi industry and shared inspiring experiences of transformation through yoga.

Shri Srinivas Katve ji and team from Sri Niyamba Nrityalaya presented Bharatanatyam performances depicting Vishnu Darshan and themes from the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Young sisters from the Solapur District Yog Parishad presented yoga postures through dance. The cultural programme conveyed the message of yoga, Indian culture, nationalism, and the service activities of Vivekananda Kendra.

The valedictory session was held on 28th June 2026 in the presence of Dr. Gopalkrishna Joshi ji, Vice-Chancellor, MIT Vishwaprayag University, Solapur. In his address, he highlighted that social transformation is possible through the adoption of a yogic lifestyle. He expressed that when parents follow yogic values, the upbringing of future generations becomes stronger and more effective.

During the concluding session, Shri Ravi Sharma ji presented the various yoga initiatives undertaken by Vivekananda Kendra at the national level and expressed confidence that this regional conference would provide encouragement and momentum to yoga research activities in Maharashtra.

A literature and publications stall was arranged throughout the three-day conference, receiving an encouraging response from participants. Comprehensive arrangements were made for accommodation, sattvic meals, medical support, registration facilities, technical arrangements, and participant assistance. The dedicated efforts of volunteers reflected the spirit of service, discipline, teamwork, and commitment.

The conference provided participants with a meaningful experience of the scientific, philosophical, practical, and research dimensions of yoga. It successfully conveyed the message that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a holistic way of life based on the vision of oneness. As a confluence of knowledge, practice, research, culture, and collective effort, Yoga Shastra Sangamam has created a strong foundation for future initiatives in yoga promotion and research.

The Nakaya Trust, Chennai, represented by Shri Mouli Ji, extended substantial financial support for the successful organization of the First Maharashtra Regional Yoga Shastra Sangamam Conference. Gratitude towards the trust was expressed during the valedictory session.

Yoga Shastra Sangamam Organized by VK-VAYAM Concludes in Solapur

Vivekananda Kendra Vedantik Application of Yoga and Management (VK VAYAM), Solapur, Maharashtra Prant successfully organized the State-level Yoga Shastra Sangamam at Solapur, from 26th to 28th June, 2026, concluding with a valedictory session that emphasized the transformative role of yoga in individual and social life. The conference witnessed the participation of 155 yoga practitioners and researchers from Maharashtra and other states.

The valedictory session was presided over by Dr. Gopalkrishna Joshi ji, Vice-Chancellor of MIT Vishwaprayag University, while Aadaraneeya Ravi Sharma ji, Akhil Bharatiya Yoga Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Joshi ji emphasized that yoga should evolve beyond physical exercise into a way of life capable of bringing about social transformation. He highlighted the vital role of parents in adopting a yogic lifestyle to nurture responsible future generations. Shri Ravi Sharma ji spoke about the various yoga initiatives undertaken by Vivekananda Kendra across the country and expressed confidence that the conference would provide fresh momentum to yoga research in Maharashtra.

During the concluding day, Shri Vikas Gokhale ji delivered an insightful lecture on "Karma Siddhanta and the Yoga Sutras," explaining the concepts of Prarabdha, Kriyamana, and Sanchita Karma, and emphasizing the importance of performing actions with awareness and skill. In another session, Shri Ravi Sharma ji highlighted that human beings are inherently social and explained that scriptures are meant to guide faith, while religion ultimately becomes a matter of personal experience.

Earlier, Dr. Shalini Maske ji, Conference Coordinator, presented the conference report. The programme was compered by Shri Abhiram Saraf ji and Ms. Shubhangi Kulkarni, while Shri Suhas Deshpande ji, Project Head of VK VAYAM, proposed the vote of thanks.

The conference concluded successfully, inspiring the participants to deepen their understanding of yoga and apply its principles for personal growth, social harmony, and national development.