In an effort to inspire youth and students to embrace yoga, the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), in collaboration with the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Deemed University, organized a “Yoga Unplugged” event on June 17 at the Nagarjuna Auditorium of CIBS.
The event is part of the 10 signature activities recommended by the Ministry of Ayush for the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. Held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the initiative aims to highlight the importance of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and environmental well-being, especially among the youth.
The event was graced by Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director, NISR, Leh; Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, CIBS; Dr. Om Prakash Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR (DRDO); and Phuntsog Ladakhi, renowned yoga expert and film actor. Special guests included Prof. R.N. Prasad, former Vice Chancellor of Nav Nalanda University, Bihar, and Dr. Thinlas Yangjor, Deputy Registrar, CIBS.
Around 400 students from various institutions participated in the event, which featured a range of competitions including a yoga performance contest, quiz competition, and cultural programs.
In the quiz competition, Lamdon Senior Secondary School secured the first position, followed by the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in second place. In the cultural program category, the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa bagged the first prize, while CIBS and Lamdon Senior Secondary School shared the second position. In the individual yoga performance competition, Stanzin Wangtak of Mahabodhi School won first place, Lobzang Samtan of CIBS came second, and Tashi Youdon of Mahabodhi Secondary School secured third position.
