Introduction
Yoga is not just a set of physical postures; it’s a holistic lifestyle that promotes balance, wellness, and mindfulness. The SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), Tamil Nadu, showcased this truth on a historic scale. On the occasion of the Founder Chancellor’s birthday, SRMIST’s Directorate of Sports and Department of Yoga organized a 25-hour blindfolded yoga marathon. Students performed Surya Namaskaram and Chandra Namaskaram, blending tradition with a global social message. This extraordinary achievement was honored with a Nova World Record (NWR-2025-1208) and aligned powerfully with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Occasion – Founder Chancellor’s Birthday
The Founder Chancellor of SRMIST is remembered as a visionary who emphasized education, wellness, and societal impact. Celebrating his birthday through a historic yoga marathon was a symbolic way of continuing his legacy of discipline, knowledge, and service to humanity.
The Directorate of Sports & Department of Yoga
The Directorate of Sports encourages health and fitness across SRMIST, while the Department of Yoga brings India’s ancient wisdom into modern student life. Their joint effort in organizing this marathon highlighted the power of collaboration in shaping youth with values, discipline, and awareness.
The Historic Yoga Event
Spanning from 4:30 AM on August 23 to 5:30 AM on August 24, 2025, the event lasted a remarkable 25 hours. Students performed blindfolded to reflect Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), a higher stage of yoga.
Surya Namaskaram
From 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM, participants practiced Surya Namaskaram, a series of postures that enhance energy, flexibility, and vitality.
Chandra Namaskaram
From 6:00 PM to 5:30 AM, students transitioned into Chandra Namaskaram. This calming sequence symbolized balance and tranquility, countering the intensity of Surya Namaskar.
Event Structure
- 240 students participated
- Divided into 30 rotating groups of 8 members each
- Every group performed 108 sets
- A grand total of 3,240 sets of Namaskaram was completed
This structure highlighted teamwork, discipline, and stamina.
Theme – The Journey Through the Eight Limbs of Yoga
The marathon was themed “The Journey Through the Eight Limbs of Yoga” (Ashtanga Yoga). Each limb—discipline, self-regulation, postures, breathing, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and union—was represented through the blindfolded, sustained practice.
Anti-Drug Awareness Message
The event carried a strong anti-drug message. In a world where students face stress, yoga was presented as a healthy, sustainable alternative to destructive habits. The blindfolded practice symbolized focus and self-control, key tools in resisting drug abuse.
Recognition and Nova World Record
The performance was officially recognized by Nova World Records under Record No.: NWR-2025-1208. This acknowledgment immortalized the effort, giving SRMIST a place in global history.
Connection to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The yoga marathon strongly supported multiple UN SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The event promoted mental clarity, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyles.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – It educated students about yoga’s spiritual and cultural depth, enriching their holistic learning.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Yoga fosters discipline, focus, and non-violence, contributing to peace and harmony.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The successful collaboration of students, faculty, and organizers demonstrated the power of teamwork for shared goals.
By aligning with these goals, SRMIST showcased how traditional practices can contribute to a sustainable future.
Student and Community Impact
For students, this was a transformative experience, building endurance, patience, and resilience. For society, it sent out a strong message—youth can channel their energy into positive, sustainable practices rather than harmful addictions.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions
The combination of Surya and Chandra Namaskaram represented the eternal balance of day and night, energy and calmness. Performing blindfolded brought in a spiritual discipline that connected the body with the mind and soul.
Role of Instructors and Organizers
The yoga instructors guided participants with expertise, ensuring safety and alignment. The Directorate of Sports and Department of Yoga managed planning, logistics, and training, ensuring smooth execution over 25 hours.
Global Recognition of SRMIST
With this event, SRMIST reinforced its status as a global educational leader contributing not only to academics but also to wellness, sustainability, and the UN SDG movement.
Future Prospects
This achievement sets the stage for future yoga-driven SDG initiatives, international collaborations, and youth-led wellness campaigns that promote sustainability, peace, and health across the world.
Conclusion
The 25-hour blindfolded yoga marathon at SRMIST was more than a world record—it was a movement for sustainability, wellness, and awareness. By aligning with UN SDGs, honoring cultural traditions, and spreading an anti-drug message, the event created an everlasting impact on students, society, and global audiences.
