NATIONAL YOGA CAMPAIGN

The National Yoga Campaign (NYC) is a transformative initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organised by the Mauritius Recreation Council (MRC) and conducted by Abhyas. While the campaign officially launched on 27th April, the vision and preparation began long before, with collaborative planning and community meet-ups.

It was in these early stages that Abhyas was invited to contribute, not only by conducting sessions, but also by training over 40 volunteers and instructors. These dedicated individuals now lead sessions across the island, ensuring they are delivered with care, consistency, and in full alignment with the Common Yoga Protocol developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of AYUSH.

Rooted in the Nature of Mauritius

The vision of NYC is to bring health and self-awareness to every home and village in Mauritius. And there is no better soil for this to grow than here—on this breathtaking island that thrives with natural abundance and grounded living.

Mauritius is a land deeply blessed with lush greenery, medicinal herbs, fertile soil, clean air, and healing waters. The food here is vibrant and fresh, and the people live close to the land—connected to their environment, traditions, and each other. This natural harmony makes Mauritius the perfect place to embrace a lifestyle of balance and inner wellbeing.

As the nation faces rising concerns like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle-related disorders, there is a collective call to return to the wisdom of nature—to work with the body, breath, and mind instead of against them. Yoga is a response rooted in this land’s own essence. This initiative encourages people to gently return to the rhythm of their breath, the intelligence of their body, and the healing support of nature.

Yoga That Meets You Where You Are

To make these practices accessible, sessions are conducted in public parks, beaches, and local gathering spaces, removing barriers and bringing wellness directly to the people. Practicing in these natural settings adds depth and grounding to the experience, making it easier to reconnect with ourselves and the land around us.

The campaign runs for 10 consecutive Sundays, across 12 locations in Mauritius and Rodrigues, from 27th April to 22nd June, from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM—a serene window to begin the day with stillness, energy, and community.

These sessions are not only about movement—they are a space for families, friends, and communities to come together, to support each other and grow together.

What a Session Looks Like

Each session begins with gentle joint movements to release tension and improve mobility. We then move into conscious body movements designed to enhance circulation, flexibility, and general wellbeing. This is followed by deep relaxation, and then breathwork techniques to calm the nervous system and restore inner balance.

As participants breathe deeply in nature, they begin to notice a stillness—a space where the body-mind connection is restored. The session ends with laughter therapy, creating a ripple of joy, lightness, and community bonding. Laughter flows freely, like the island’s rivers, bringing wide smiles and inner ease.

A Grounded and Growing Community

One of the most rewarding parts of this campaign is witnessing participants from all age groups attending—smiling, sharing, and returning each week. Their transformation is visible: not just in posture or breath, but in the lightness they carry as they leave the session.

As Yog Chandrika says:

“Since the body and mind are very closely connected, as a result, a healthy body also houses a healthy mind.”

In today’s fast-paced world, we often try to control what’s outside—people, circumstances, timelines. But yoga reminds us that the real transformation happens within. When we realign our inner mechanisms—how we breathe, how we move, how we respond—our external world begins to reflect that calm and clarity.

Abhyas – Be the Catalyst

At the heart of Abhyas is a simple yet powerful foundation “one acting as a catalyst of change” through the change in his/her own behaviour—what he/she would like to see outside.

When we shift our behaviour, our energy, and our awareness, we naturally inspire those around us. This campaign is about empowering people to take responsibility for their wellbeing, while walking the path together as a community.

Together, We Build a Healthier Mauritius

We are deeply honoured to be part of this national movement, and incredibly grateful to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Mauritius Recreation Council for this opportunity. It is a privilege to connect with communities, train passionate volunteers, and witness the joy and healing that yoga brings to the people of this beautiful island.Together, we are creating a healthier, more connected Mauritius—one breath, one movement, one Sunday at a time.