28The GC University Lahore on Sunday morning celebrated a grand yoga event for inner peace on the Oval Ground of its campus, with the participation of around 2,000 yoga practitioners from all across Pakistan, making it one of the largest yoga events in the country.
The event, organized by the University’s recently-established Ravian Yoga Club in collaboration with the Pakistan Yoga Council, aimed to promote mental and physical wellness in society while reducing stress and anxiety. Participants of all age groups, from five-year-old to eighty-year-old, were dressed in comfortable yoga attire and led by professional yoga instructors through a series of yoga poses and exercises. Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi highlighted the importance of promoting mental health, particularly in the current challenging times. “Yoga improves not only physical strength and balance but also reduces stress and anxiety, which are becoming more and more common in our society these days,” he said. He emphasized the role of such yoga events in fostering a sense of community and belonging, adding that “by making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or physical condition, events like this can help to break down barriers and promote a sense of unity and inclusivity.” Prof. Asghar Zaidi, who is also a global advisor of WHO Geneva on healthy ageing, also highlighted the importance of Yoga in old age. He mentioned in particular importance of social connections, alongside the exercise, to be greatly contributing to health while ageing. Prof. Zaidi expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Yoga Council for their support, saying that “by working together, we can create a ripple effect of health and wellness that extends far beyond the individual participants at the event.” Women’s rights activist Mrs. Kiran Zaidi appreciated this opportunity for young female students and faculty to practice yoga in a safe and supportive environment. “As a woman, it can be challenging to find safe spaces to collectively exercise and practice self-care,” she said. “This yoga event provided a supportive and welcoming environment where female students and faculty felt comfortable to practice yoga and connect with other like-minded individuals. Yoga professional Yogi Riaz Khokha said this huge turnout at the GCU Yoga event is a testament to the growing popularity of yoga in Pakistan. “One of the things I love about yoga is that it can be adapted to suit people of all ages and abilities,” he said. Actor Rashid Mehmood suggested that other universities should also establish similar clubs to promote healthy activities. “By practicing together, we can learn from each other, share our experiences, and support each other on our individual paths. I hope that events like this will continue to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to practice yoga and promote health and well-being for all.” Earlier, on Saturday night, the University also arranged a Sufi music night for the yoga practitioners who came to GCU from other cities for this grand Yoga event.
