IIM Indore has always been dedicated to holistic well-being and cultural preservation. On International Yoga Day, the institute organized two momentous events, highlighting its commitment to fostering a balanced and culturally rich environment.
The first event witnessed the entire IIM Indore community coming together for an enriching Yoga Session. Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, inaugurated the event. He emphasized the significance of yoga, stating that skillfully performing any task is yoga, transforming individuals into yogis. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of Ashtanga Yoga, which encompasses not only asanas and pranayama but also Yama (ethical principles), Niyama (personal observances), and the subsequent stages of pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (state of bliss). Prof. Rai also emphasized the five principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Brahmacharya (conservation of energy) as integral aspects of yoga. Furthermore, Prof. Rai elucidated the five rules of yoga, namely Shoucha (physical and spiritual cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapa (discipline and perseverance), Swadhyaya (self-learning), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrendering to the cosmic consciousness). He encouraged individuals to identify their connection with the universe, highlighting that comprehending relationships with parents, siblings, and colleagues is essential, and similarly, understanding the holistic bond with the air, water, land, and environment is crucial to discovering the purpose of life.
The yoga session, led by Mr. Akash Borasi and Ms. Himani Sharma, yoga trainers, enabled the IIM Indore community to participate in various asanas, fostering a deeper understanding of the benefits of yoga in their lives. Their guidance helped individuals grasp the importance of incorporating yoga into their daily routines, promoting physical and mental well-being.
The second event marked the certificate distribution ceremony for the Sanskrit Language Workshop organized at IIM Indore from September 01, 2022, to February 28, 2023. Under the brilliant mentorship of Professor Himanshu Rai, the workshop unraveled the intricacies of the Sanskrit language, while preserving India’s cultural heritage. This transformative six-month journey enabled the participants to gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s ancient culture, civilization, customs, and linguistic contribution to nation-building. Prof. Himanshu Rai presented certificates to the nine participants for their remarkable dedication and successful completion of the workshop.
Prof. Rai spoke about the significance of preserving Sanskrit as a language. He stated that if a language is not spoken, it gradually fades away. “Sanskrit holds a crucial place as the foundation of our culture, intertwined with every aspect of our lives, right from birth, till our last breath”, he said. He further highlighted the scientific nature of Sanskrit, including its phonetic intricacies and the flexibility of its grammar. Prof. Rai expressed that this workshop is just the beginning of a continued effort to promote Sanskrit and announced plans for future workshops. He encouraged participants to take a pledge to speak Sanskrit daily, emphasizing its vital role in nation-building and the inseparable connection between culture and the nation.
Mr. Pravesh Vaishnav, Sanskrit Tutor, who conducted the classes, also addressed the participants. He emphasized that true language learning occurs through conversation. “Although Sanskrit is often perceived as difficult, the key lies in actively speaking the language. It as a cultural treasure and the foundation of many languages, we can unlock its beauty. Embracing Sanskrit’s relevance, conversing in it, and imbuing it with purpose enriches our understanding and shapes a purposeful life”, he said.
During the Sanskrit workshop, participants not only expanded their knowledge of vocabulary and daily speech, but also developed a profound appreciation for the importance of India’s ancient culture, civilization, rituals, and languages in the context of nation-building. The workshop provided a transformative platform for participants to immerse themselves in the richness of Sanskrit, gaining insights into its historical and cultural significance. Through this immersive experience, participants discovered the pivotal role Sanskrit plays in preserving India’s linguistic heritage and nurturing a deep sense of national identity.
These exceptional events stand as a testament to IIM Indore’s resolute dedication of IIM Indore’s socially responsible community and fostering a vibrant community deeply entrenched in cultural values.