Bengaluru, June 19, 2024 — NV Raghuram, the yoga teacher of Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma and founder of Yoga Bharati, revealed on Wednesday that yoga significantly contributed to making Sharma “fearless and more adaptable than any other astronaut” on his team. Raghuram shared these insights during the ‘Yoga for Space’ conference, shedding light on Sharma’s experiences in space.
The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), in collaboration with Svyasa, organized the conference at S-Vyasa University, Bengaluru, to mark the 10th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024. The event focused on the integration of yoga into various fields, including space exploration, emphasizing its benefits for astronauts.
According to the Ministry of AYUSH, these initiatives aim to raise societal awareness and promote vigorous yoga practice. The theme of ‘IDY 2024’ underscores that a healthy individual contributes to a healthy society.
Dr. Raghavendra Rao, Director of the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy, Delhi, highlighted the inclusivity and diversity of the IDY journey. He showcased yoga practices in extreme conditions, from land to ocean, and spanning a day from Japan to California. This year’s exploration of yoga in space was a significant addition.
Dr. BR Ramakrishnan, Pro-Chancellor of S-Vyasa University, emphasized the fusion of ancient wisdom with space science, celebrating the convergence of Eastern and Western knowledge.
The main IDY 2024 celebrations will be held in Srinagar, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the event. Over the past decade, IDY has set four Guinness World Records.
In a special initiative, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will organize ‘Yoga for Space’ to mark IDY 2024. All ISRO scientists and officials will perform yoga together following specific guidelines, highlighting the importance of yoga in space missions.
