Centenarian Guruji BNS Iyengar feted

Mysuru: A felicitation programme honouring Guruji BNS Iyengar, the centenarian exponent of Yoga, was organised at the premises of the Maharaja Sanskrit College in city to mark his 100th birthday and celebrate a remarkable life devoted to the practice and propagation of Yoga.

The occasion brought together his disciples, well-wishers and admirers from India and abroad. The felicitation volume ‘Yogi Varenya,’ brought out in his honour, was released on this momentous occasion.

Sanskrit scholar Vid. H.V. Nagaraja Rao, who delivered the felicitation address, highlighted the remarkable manner in which Yoga has transcended geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries to unite people across the world. He observed that Guruji BNS Iyengar himself stands as a living testimony to the transformative power and enduring benefits of Yoga.

Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois, who presided over the programme, spoke on the deeper dimensions of the Mysore Yoga tradition. He explained that the disciplined practice of Asana itself can lead progressively to the state of Samadhi, the pinnacle of Yoga. In this context, he noted that the traditional practice of teaching Asanas in the Mysore tradition is fully justified in being referred to as Ashtanga Yoga, as it can serve as a pathway to the higher stages of Yogic attainment.

In his address, Guruji BNS Iyengar emphasised that Yoga is not merely an exercise but a discipline contributing to both mental and physical well-being and should therefore be practised by one and all.

Prof. M.A. Alwar welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. Joey Paz and Andrew Eppler of the USA, along with more than 100 students of Guruji from different parts of the world, participated in the event, making it a truly international celebration of Yoga and its timeless tradition.