Londile Moyo
Mthokozisi Ncube
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MORE than 300 students at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo on Friday took part in yoga and meditation sessions during a wellness programme organised by the Indian Embassy in partnership with the Zimbabwe Medical Students Association (ZIMSA) and the Art of Living Foundation.
The event formed part of preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga commemorations and sought to promote mental and physical well-being among young people grappling with academic and social pressures.
Held as part of the Indian Embassy’s nationwide wellness initiative, the programme introduced students and staff to breathing exercises, guided meditation and yoga routines designed to help reduce stress, improve concentration and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The International Day of Yoga is commemorated annually on June 21 after being proclaimed by the United Nations in 2014 to raise awareness about the physical and mental benefits of yoga.
Speaking during the event, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramha Kumar, said the strong turnout at Nust reflected growing interest among Zimbabwean youths in wellness programmes.
“The Embassy of India in Harare successfully organised an interactive Yoga and wellness session today at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo. The event saw the active participation of over 300 university students, marking another important stop in the Embassy’s ongoing nationwide wellness initiative,” he said.
Amb Kumar said the sessions focused on simple yoga postures and breathing techniques that can help students manage stress, maintain emotional balance and improve both mental and physical health.
He commended Nust for supporting the initiative and facilitating the programme on campus.
“The great interest and active engagement shown by the students have given the Embassy further motivation to expand these wellness programmes. Moving forward, the Embassy plans to host future yoga events on a grander scale to share these healthy lifestyle practices with as many Zimbabweans as possible,” said Amb Kumar.
The Bulawayo programme follows similar wellness sessions held in other parts of the country. The nationwide yoga tour began on May 15 at Young Africa in Chitungwiza before moving to Wise Owl in Marondera on May 19.
The initiative later reached Mutare, where yoga sessions were conducted for students at Hillcrest School and young cricketers at Mutare Sports Club on May 20 and 21.
Amb Kumar said the activities were part of preparations for the main International Day of Yoga celebrations scheduled for June 21 in Victoria Falls. A lead-up event will also be held at India House in Harare on June 14.
ZIMSA national president Mr Noel Manyise said hosting the programme at Nust for the first time was a significant milestone for both the association and the university.
The Indian Embassy facilitated the programme by bringing trainers from the Art of Living Foundation to conduct the sessions.
Manyise said plans are underway to introduce the SKY Campus Happiness Programme in Zimbabwe, a global wellness initiative already operating in more than 180 countries.
“Zimbabwe is among the few countries now taking part in the initiative. It is not about religion, but about equipping people with survival skills that help them manage modern-day stress,” he said.
Manyise said changes in modern lifestyles had contributed significantly to rising stress levels among young people.
“Today we hosted the 12th International Yoga Day for the first time and it is quite a milestone for us,” he said.
Manyise said the initiative aimed to equip students with practical coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety associated with modern academic life.
“We organised this event to bring these skills to students and staff with the understanding that if people are given the right coping mechanisms, they can manage stress better,” he said.
He said university students often face overwhelming pressure from coursework and personal responsibilities, making wellness programmes increasingly important within tertiary institutions.
“When you are stressed, sometimes you need to stop everything, take 10 minutes to meditate, focus and regain clarity before continuing with your work. As medical students, what we worry about is avoidable,” said Manyise.
He revealed that plans were underway to introduce the SKY Campus Happiness Programme in Zimbabwe, a global wellness initiative already operating in more than 180 countries.
“Zimbabwe is among the few countries now taking part in the initiative. It is not about religion, but about equipping people with survival skills that help them manage modern-day stress,” said Manyise.
He added that changing lifestyles and increasing academic demands had contributed significantly to rising stress levels among young people, making mental wellness initiatives more critical than ever.
Online Reporter