This year's 17th Annual Day celebration of Aravind Yogalayam (AYM) was unlike any other—it was our first outdoor celebration, held at the foothills of the breathtaking Mekkarai. With the theme Nature & Wellness, we embraced the serene environment as a backdrop to connect with ourselves, each other, and the beautiful natural world around us. The day was filled with joy, yoga, adventure and gratitude, making it a truly memorable milestone in our journey.

The Day Begins: Yoga Competition with Energy and Enthusiasm

The celebration kicked off at 7:00 AM with a lively Yoga Competition for both our kids and adult teams. We proudly categorized the participants into Super Juniors, Juniors, Seniors, Online Seniors, and Super Seniors, showcasing the incredible diversity in age and talent within our AYM community.

Our distinguished jury made the competition all the more special. We were honored to have Mr. Sathish, a renowned yoga teacher from Coimbatore, as part of our jury. Alongside him was Mrs. Vanitha, our senior practitioner with a deep understanding of asanas, and Mr. Vinoj Antony, a disciplined and advanced asana practitioner. Their sharp judgment and insight ensured the competition ran smoothly, encouraging our participants to perform their best.

This free yoga competition was an attempt to help our practitioners overcome their fears and showcase their skills. We were proud to see a wide range of participants—from ages 3 to 70—demonstrating their dedication to yoga, making the event a grand success. The energy was beautifully uplifted by our host, Ms. Nasrin, who added warmth and excitement to the event.

From Tenkasi to Mekkarai: Embracing Nature

After the yoga competition, we transitioned to Mekkarai, traveling together in our team members' vehicles and a van arranged for the event. We reached this beautiful spot by 10:00 AM, greeted by the tranquil surroundings of the hills. The team split into two groups: one enjoyed the refreshing natural waterfalls, while the other group of volunteers made arrangements for the afternoon event.

AYM Annual Day Ceremony: Celebrating 17 Years of Trust and Growth

At 12:00 PM, the official Annual Day Ceremony commenced. Our founder, Shri. Balasubramanian , opened the ceremony with a heartfelt welcome speech, reflecting on the 17-year journey of AYM. He spoke about how we've built a safe and secure environment for our women practitioners, even without a female instructor. This trust and safety, built over years of dedicated service, has made AYM a special place for all. He emphasized our inclusive philosophy of teaching yoga to everyone, regardless of background or religion, which has always been our guiding principle — Yoga for All.

Next, we moved on to the Prize Ceremony, where deserving practitioners were recognized for their exceptional achievements and contributions to AYM. Awards were given to those who played a significant role in uplifting AYM to new heights.

Our Director, Shri. Marudhu Subash, concluded the ceremony with a special thank-you note, just as a light drizzle of rain began, feeling like divine blessings. In his speech, he announced the exciting agenda for this year—Empowerment through Career Guidance. AYM is planning to offer Teacher Training Programs for women, especially housewives, to become certified yoga instructors and pursue yoga as a profession under Aravind Yogalayam. This initiative aims to empower women to build fulfilling careers while contributing to the spread of yoga.

A Grand Feast and Heartfelt Gratitude

At 1:00 PM, the celebrations continued with a delicious vegetarian lunch, generously sponsored by Oxford School, Tenkasi. Our heartfelt thanks go to all our sponsors who contributed to the success of the event, including Mehreen Motors, Shahana's Henna Heaven, and AYM Batch E teammates, who sponsored the prizes. Special thanks also to the entire AYM community members, whose love, contributions, and volunteer efforts made this event a tremendous success.

Creating Lifelong Memories: A Special Trek with Our Kids

Just when we thought the event was winding down, something truly magical happened. Our kids, filled with excitement and determination, insisted on taking us for a short trek. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, a group of children, parents, and team members set off on an impromptu hike. We climbed a nearby hill and found ourselves surrounded by tall lemongrass, with the clear blue sky and clouds above us—a picture-perfect setting.

There, we all sat together in a peaceful field, and amidst the serene environment, we practiced a beautiful mindful meditation . It was astonishing to see even the youngest children maintain complete silence during the meditation. This moment of unity, stillness, and reflection was one of the most memorable highlights of the day, creating bonds that will last a lifetime.

A Grateful Conclusion: Thank You to Our Team

As the day came to a close, we reflected on the immense love, effort, and teamwork that made this event so special. From those who volunteered without ego to those who contributed in ways big and small, every act of service touched our hearts. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this Annual Day celebration a resounding success.

Here's to more memories, more growth, and more years of wellness and togetherness at Aravind Yogalayam. Until next year, we carry the lessons of nature and wellness with us, deep in our hearts.