In a historic celebration of World Health Day, around 20,000 tribal students from five mandals of Alluri Sitharama Raju district came together at Araku Valley Degree College to perform 108 Surya Namaskars as part of the ‘Yoga – Maha Surya Vandanam’ programme. The event not only showcased the commitment to health and wellness but also earned a Guinness World Record.
The event was officially recognised by Alice Renaud, Manager of the London World Records Union, who presented the certificate to District Collector Dinesh Kumar. Over 13,000 girls participated in the massive yoga demonstration, which lasted nearly two hours.
Speaking to ANI, Alice Renaud remarked, “I’m a World Record Union Manager, and I was here tonight to witness the performance as 20,000 students performed sun salutations. This is a new world record that has been established tonight. I want to congratulate them.”
Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani inaugurated the event and joined the students in performing the Surya Namaskars, encouraging the participants through her presence and enthusiasm.
The students, who had been training daily at 4 a.m. for the past five months, demonstrated immense discipline and determination. Health personnel were on site throughout the event to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
District Collector Dinesh Kumar highlighted the benefits of the sustained yoga practice, noting visible improvements in students’ health, learning abilities, and overall performance. He also mentioned a significant drop in medical complaints and hospital visits among students regularly practicing yoga.
The programme began ceremonially with a conch blown by Physical Education Teacher Patanjali Srinivas, a key organiser. The Collector extended heartfelt congratulations to Srinivas, PETs, teachers, and tribal welfare officers for their crucial role in organising the grand event.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries including Joint Collector Dr. Abhishek Gowda, SP Amit Bardar, Sub-Collector Sauryaman Patel, Additional SP Dheeraj, and RTC Chairman Donnu Dora, who all applauded the unprecedented achievement.
The electrifying energy and massive turnout not only set a new world record but also highlighted the transformative power of yoga in enhancing physical fitness, mental health, and community spirit.
