Three crore people set mass Surya Namaskar world record

published on February 18, 2013

The nation which is the origin of Yoga, today  set a world record in itself when more than three crore people performed ‘Surya Namaskar’ (Sun Salutations) at a time throughout the country. The event was organized by ‘Vivekananda 150 Birth anniversary celebration committee’ throughout the length & breadth of the country. According to the news agencies the participants consisted atleast two crore high school students. The ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ was organized at over 80 thousand places across the country.

At 10am India time, the Samuhik (mass) Surya Namaskar Yagya begun at various places. In about half an hour, the participants completed 13 Surya Namsakars as per instructions.

Each and every town & city, many taluka (tehsil) places & even small villages across India witnessed the mass Surya Namaskar performed on the occasion of ‘World Surya Namskar day’ today. Vivekananda Sardha Shati Samaroha Samiti (Vivekananda 150 birth anniversary celebration committee), which organized the event had organized a bitter campaign including a month long training to the participants.

The news continues to come in throughout the nation. We have compiled some news stories for our readers :

New Delhi : More than two lakh pupils participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’  here. A major event was organised at the Ramlila ground where more than 50 thousand youths participated. Various schools & collages along with many citizen groups & NGOs also organized ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ event at various places throughout the National capital.

Mumbai : In Mumbai, more than one lakh people, mostly young students from schools & collages participated in Saurya Namaskar yagya. At Shivaji Park, the biggest play ground situated at the center of the city, more than Five thousand students from each school & collage including Municipal & Govt ones, around the locality, participated. RSS Sah-Sar Karyavah (Joint Gen Secretary) Kannan was the chief guest. Many dignitaries from administration, industrialists, educationists & Vivekananda Kendra workers also participated in this programme..

Many Mumbai schools & collages observed the ‘World Surya Namaskar Day’ with organizing the mass Surya Namaskar events in their own premises or local grounds. Its learnt that the Govt of Maharashtra had instructed the school & collage fraternity to participate in this ‘Samuhik Surya Namaskar Yagya’ as a tribute to Swami Vivekananda on his 150th birth anniversary.

Thane : More than 12 thousand students from 38 schools in the historical lake city situated at the outskirts of Mumbai, participated in the Surya Namaskar performing total of one lakh 64 thousand 38 Surya Namaskars. Education department also participated in this massive event.

Nagpur : Mayor Anil Sole inaugurated the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ programme at Yashvant Stadium where more than 50 thousand students along with the prominent dignitaries & common citizens participated.

Jaipur : In the state of Rajasthan, more than 10 lakh students participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ event. Krida Bharati President, MP & former cricketer Chetan Chauhan, former IB director Ajit Doval & former chief secretary of Rajasthan Mitthalal Mehta participated in the programme held at Jaipur.  

Udaypur : In Udaypur city, more than 10 thousand students participated in ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’. Former IG Shri Khadkavat participated along with many dignitaries in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’.

Jodhpur : More than 51 thousand students participated along with dignitaries & prominent citizens participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’.   Lt.Col. Mandhata Sing, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sampark Pramukh Ram Madhav were the chief Guests.

Varanashi (Kashi) : VSK reported that more than 30 thousand students participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ throughout the Varanasi district. At Ramnagar’s Maharaja Banaras Mahila Mahavidyalaya, the Queen Maharani Anamika Kunvar was present for the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’. Former chief medical officer of the district, Dr. Narendra Gupta addressed the students on the occasion. He elaborated the importance of Surya Namaskars in with the modern life style.

Chennai : More than 10 lakh students participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ across the Tamilnadu state. Many industrialists, social workers, educationists & other professionals participated along with the students.

Bangalore : In Karnataka too, more than 10 lakh students participated with prominent citizens & dignitaries & religious leaders participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’. At Mysore Palace, the RSS Pranth Sangha Chalak M Venkataram inaugurated the Surya Namaskar campaign. RSS Karnataka Pranth Karyavah N Tippeswamy, RSS Karnataka Pranth Sampark Pramuk TS Venkatesh and several other prominent socio-religious leaders present on the occasion.

Jammu : More than ten thousand students along with many dignitaries & prominent citizens participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’.

Patna : Thousands of students participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ throughout the Bihar state in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ despite the political opposition from the Muslim hardliners. The total participation may cross one lakh students, according to local news reporters.

Karnavati : More than 10 lakhs students participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ in Gujrat state. A major event was organized at Sabarmati river front, in which 50 thousand plus people participated. People from all walks of life, leaders from industry, education, socio-political circles & religious figures were seen participating in this mega event throughout the state.

News from north eastern parts of India indicate that lakhs may have participated in the ‘Surya Namaskar Yagya’ celebrations in this part of the country. The details are still awaited.