In observance of International Yoga Day 2025, which is celebrated globally on 21st June, the 140-year-old Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCCI), in association with the Casipur Athletic Training Centre, organised a Special Yoga Session on 20th June 2025. The programme marked the Chamber’s first initiative of its kind and was organised in support of the Government of India’s vision of promoting wellness, preventive healthcare, and healthy ageing.
The programme was graced by Shri Ashoke Kumar Banik, President, BNCCI; Shri Amit Saha, Senior Vice President, BNCCI; Shri Aloke Sarkar, Vice President, BNCCI; Shri Anit Ghosh; Shri Dilip Narayan Saha; Shri Soham Banik; and Shri S.K. Roy, along with Executive Committee member Mr. Ranodip Dutta, staff members, and distinguished guests. In his address, Shri Ashoke Kumar Banik emphasised that health is the greatest wealth and that yoga plays a vital role in maintaining physical fitness, mental well-being, and an active lifestyle irrespective of age.
Referring to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Loknath Brahmachari, he highlighted the importance of yoga in enabling people to remain healthy, agile, and productive throughout their lives, and encouraged all to adopt yoga as a regular practice. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Anit Ghosh highlighted the unique significance of the day, which beautifully tied the eve of International Yoga Day with the simultaneous observance of West Bengal Day (Paschim Banga Divas). He noted that while the nation geared up to celebrate Yoga Day, the people of West Bengal were concurrently commemorating the State’s rich heritage and cultural legacy.
Appreciating BNCCI’s initiative, he emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life and promoting health, wellness, and fitness across all sections of society. As part of the programme, Shri Sukhen Das and Shri Samiran Saha were felicitated in recognition of their contribution and support towards the promotion of yoga and wellness initiatives. The event featured a yoga demonstration by instructors and participants from various age groups, including children, youth, adults, and senior citizens.
A spectacular yoga pyramid formation by the instructor team emerged as one of the highlights of the programme and received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri Amit Saha, Senior Vice President, BNCCI, who expressed gratitude to all participants, instructors, members, and guests for making the event a grand success. The event successfully reinforced the message that yoga is a powerful tool for achieving physical fitness, mental harmony, and healthy ageing while contributing towards a healthier and more resilient society.