MFU Hosts 12th International Day of Yoga to Promote Holistic Well-being for the Community

On 24 June 2026, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), in collaboration with the Consulate of India in Chiang Mai, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Queen Sirikit 72nd Jubilee Sport Arena (Indoor Stadium) under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. This yoga event, which has been jointly organised for three consecutive years, aimed to strengthen relations between Thailand and India and promote good health and well-being for all ages through the ancient practice of mind-body balance.

The opening ceremony was honoured by the presence of Mr. Chucheep Pongchai, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, who presided over the event. Warm welcome remarks were extended by Mr. Pranav Ganesh, Consul of India in Chiang Mai, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darunee Wattanasiriwech, Vice President of MFU. The event was well-attended by over 200 representatives from Chiang Rai Municipality, provincial government officials, executives, faculty members, staff, and students of Mae Fah Luang University, as well as local yoga enthusiasts.

The event featured a demonstration of yoga poses for office syndrome and stress relief led by Assist. Prof.Dr. Chatchada Sutalangka, Assistant Dean and a lecturer at the School of Integrative Medicine. This was followed by the main yoga session by Mr. Anup Gupta, an expert yoga master and founder of Ananda Yoga Shala. A special highlight was the provision of Indian food and drinks for all participants, including Poha (parboiled rice grains pounded into flat flakes), Upma (thick porridge from dry-roasted rice flour), and Am panna (Indian Mango Smoothie), supported by Accha Authentic Indian Cuisine. This allowed participants to experience a taste of Indian culture alongside the yoga practice. 

In his opening remarks, Governer Chucheep Pongchai noted that many countries around the world, including Thailand are entering a fully aged society. He emphasised that healthy ageing means more than just a long life; it is about physical strength, mental clarity, self-reliance, and maintaining an active, meaningful role in society. Yoga serves as a powerful tool to effectively achieve this goal. 

The Consul of India expressed that, “This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ reminds us that yoga is for every age, everybody, and every background. For students, yoga builds focus for studies, resilience to stress, and balance in a fast-moving world. For faculty and staff, it brings back mobility, posture, and calm amidst responsibilities. For senior friends, it supports strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.”

Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darunee Wattanasiriwech reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing good health and well-being for people of all ages, both within Thailand and throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion. “As we continuously strive toward our goal of becoming a leading Regional Wellness and Healthcare centre under the Promotion, Prevention, and Prediction framework, we recognise yoga as an invaluable catalyst for physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional stability, and comprehensive well-being, regardless of one's age.”

The event concluded successfully, leaving participants filled with a profound sense of rejuvenation, renewed vitality, and a shared commitment to lifelong wellness. By weaving together rich cultural heritage and proactive health strategies, the 12th International Day of Yoga at MFU transcended a single-day celebration. It stood as a powerful testament to the enduring friendship between Thailand and India and a vibrant milestone in the university's ongoing mission to cultivate a healthier, more harmonious, and resilient society for generations to come.