The 11th International Day of Yoga turned into a historic celebration at St. Antony’s Nursery & Primary School, Nerkundram, Chennai, where hundreds of young learners came together to spread the timeless message of yoga. Under the inspiring theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the event showcased unity, discipline, and wellness in the purest form. To make it even more memorable, this event etched its name in history by securing an official Nova World Record.
About St. Antony’s Nursery & Primary School
St. Antony’s Nursery & Primary School has been a beacon of holistic education in Chennai for years. With a strong foundation built on values, discipline, and cultural enrichment, the school has continuously encouraged its students to embrace extracurricular activities alongside academics. Its mission goes beyond textbooks—it aims to nurture confident, responsible, and health-conscious citizens.
Significance of the International Day of Yoga
Yoga, an ancient Indian gift to the world, found global recognition in 2015 when the United Nations declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga. Each year, millions across the globe observe this day with mass yoga sessions, talks, and awareness drives. The 2025 theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” resonates with today’s pressing needs—environmental protection, personal well-being, and global harmony.
The Grand Celebration at Nerkundram
On August 23, 2025, the school’s grounds transformed into a vibrant yoga arena. Students, teachers, parents, and community members united for the celebration. The colorful event began with chants of peace and a warm welcome to dignitaries, setting the stage for a record-breaking performance. Weeks of preparation went into training students under expert guidance, ensuring perfect synchronization.
Record-Breaking Performance
The highlight was the mass Surya Namaskar performance. With hundreds of participants moving in harmony, the school set a new benchmark. Each participant completed 11 sets of Surya Namaskar in unison, symbolizing strength, devotion, and unity. Surya Namaskar, often called the “soul of yoga practice”, represents gratitude to the sun, the eternal source of energy.
Official Recognition by Nova World Records
The achievement was officially recognized by Nova World Records. The details stand recorded under Record No: NWR-2025-1201, with the event date as August 23, 2025. The adjudicator, Sudhakar M, was present to certify the attempt, ensuring all guidelines were meticulously followed. This recognition made the event not just a school celebration, but a historic milestone.
Role of Yoga Master Selvaganapathi
The driving force behind this event was Yoga Master Selvaganapathi. With years of experience and expertise, he guided the children with patience and passion. His role went beyond instruction—he inspired the young learners to embrace yoga as a lifestyle. His leadership ensured the event’s success and recognition.
The Energy of the Participants
Imagine hundreds of children rising in unison, stretching with precision, and chanting with devotion—the atmosphere was electrifying. The discipline, focus, and joy radiated by the students became the soul of the event. Their performance was proof that age is no barrier when it comes to practicing yoga.
Theme in Action – One Earth, One Health
The theme “One Earth, One Health” was brought to life beautifully. The synchronized yoga practice not only promoted physical health but also symbolized harmony with nature. By teaching children the value of mindfulness and eco-consciousness, the event stood as a reminder that individual well-being is deeply connected to planetary health.
Community and Cultural Impact
This wasn’t just a school celebration—it became a community festival. Parents, teachers, and neighbors felt proud witnessing young learners embrace ancient traditions. The event reinforced Chennai’s cultural richness and spread awareness of yoga as a daily practice.
Educational Value of Yoga in Schools
Yoga in schools is more than exercise—it’s character building. For children, it improves concentration, reduces stress, enhances flexibility, and builds resilience. St. Antony’s School has proven that integrating yoga into education creates balanced individuals who excel both in academics and life skills.
Messages from Dignitaries
Several dignitaries applauded the efforts of the students and staff. Their messages emphasized the importance of yoga for the younger generation. Words of encouragement and recognition filled the air, making the achievement even more special for the participants.
The Legacy of This Achievement
This record will remain etched in the history of the school and the city. It has positioned St. Antony’s School as a role model for educational institutions nationwide. The legacy created today will inspire countless other schools to organize similar initiatives, spreading yoga’s benefits far and wide.
Future Plans and Commitments
The school has pledged to continue promoting yoga through annual celebrations and daily practices. Plans are underway to introduce advanced yoga training, inter-school yoga competitions, and more record-setting events. With such vision, St. Antony’s is bound to remain a pioneer in yoga education.
Conclusion
The 11th International Day of Yoga at St. Antony’s Nursery & Primary School, Nerkundram, Chennai was more than an event—it was history in the making. By performing 11 sets of Surya Namaskar in unison, the students set a world record and proved that yoga is not just practice, but a way of life. This milestone will inspire generations to embrace yoga, celebrate unity, and strive for health and harmony.
