PECUC marks International Yoga Day promoting wellness and healing

Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), a leading voluntary organization of Odisha, celebrated the ancient tradition that nurtures holistic health and well-being. This year marked the 11th International Yoga Day, themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting the interconnection between personal wellness and planetary health. Yoga, known for its ability to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and foster awareness, is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool for mental health, youth development, and addiction recovery. Through asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and mindfulness practices, yoga helps in managing stress, enhancing focus, building self-esteem, and supporting emotional resilience.

To mark the day, yoga sessions were organized across PECUC’s operational areas in Keonjhar, Baleswar, Cuttack, and Khordha districts, encouraging children, adolescents, youth, women, and community members to embrace yoga as part of their daily lives.

Sibani Bhoi, a Class 8 student from Kanchilo School, shared, “Yoga makes me feel happy and strong. It helps us feel calm when we’re upset, strong when we need energy, and focused when we want to learn. Just a few stretches and deep breaths each day can make us healthier, happier, and full of smiles.”

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Yoga has proven especially impactful for children and adolescents, supporting their mental health by reducing anxiety, improving concentration, and promoting a positive outlook. For youth, it serves as a coping mechanism against peer pressure and stress, helping them to channel energy positively. In Raikala village, Keonjhar, Sandhyarani Behera, President of Maa Sarala SHG, shared, “Yoga helps me feel better in my body and mind. When I do it every day, I feel less tired and more peaceful. It keeps me strong for my family and work. All women should try—it’s good for health and heart.”
A special interview with a yoga expert, highlighting the mental and physical health benefits of yoga, was broadcast on Community Radio – Radio Sampark 89.6, reaching listeners across rural communities in Cuttack district.

Importantly, inmates of the PECUC- Disha Recovery Centre for Drug Addicts also observed Yoga Day, participating in guided sessions that promote discipline, inner balance, and physical regeneration. Yoga is being used as a supportive therapy in addiction recovery, helping individuals build confidence, manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and reconnect with a healthier lifestyle.

Chandan Paschimakabat, President of Ecosavers Youth Network from Berhampur, Bolgarh block, Khordha, noted, “Yoga helps me feel fresh and full of energy. It keeps my mind calm and my body strong. I like how it makes me feel happy from inside. It’s a good habit for all of us to grow better together.”

Encouraging the initiative, Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, PECUC, said, “Yoga is a path to inner peace and outer strength. It connects us to a deeper wisdom within and brings harmony to our lives. On this special day, let us all take a moment to breathe, reflect, and grow."
The celebration served as a reminder that Yoga is not just a practice, but a lifestyle that promotes self-awareness, community well-being, and resilience especially for young people and those seeking a second chance through recovery.