The Gold Coast chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) hosted a calm yet quietly energising celebration of the International Day of Yoga on 14 June 2025. The event brought together about 50 participants from across the community to mark this year’s global theme: Yoga for One Earth, One Health. With a brisk winter morning as the backdrop, four different forms of yoga unfolded over two hours, led by local practitioners known for their craft and connection with the community.
Ranjitha Shenoy, founder of Yoga and Wellness by Ranju, opened the morning with classical Hatha Yoga. Her session eased participants into slow, conscious movement—ideal for those new to the mat or returning after a long break. She brought a kind of clarity that made even the more hesitant participants feel at ease. The air shifted gently from cold to focused warmth as each stretch invited breath and presence.
This was followed by a session in SOMA Breathwork, guided by Shekher Arya of Amavi Retreats. His approach used rhythm, breath retention and mindfulness to encourage what he called a “natural joy state”. It felt less like exercise and more like tuning into something already present. For many, this session was unfamiliar—but accessible. No mats, no flexibility tests, just an inner rhythm waiting to be noticed.
The third segment came from Leela Avva and Aoi Okoch of the Heartfulness Institute, who offered chair yoga and silent meditation. This combination made space for those who find it difficult to sit on the floor, while the extended silence afterwards acted like a mirror—still and gently revealing. There was no rush to finish or perform. Participants were encouraged to sit with themselves, just as they were.
The final experience was led by Sharma Slavic, known across South East Queensland for her sound-based healing sessions. She played crystal bowls and harp in a slow sequence, designed to settle nervous systems overstimulated by modern pace. Time seemed to pause—then vanish entirely. No one reached for their phone. No one seemed in a hurry to leave.
GOPIO Gold Coast was represented by President Pradip Gorasia, along with Preetham Krishna (2nd Vice-President), Paddy Krishnan (Joint Secretary and coordinator of the event), Madhuri Soni (Secretary) and Varsha Badhe (Assistant Treasurer). The event received support from the Consul General of India in Brisbane, and Experience Gold Coast.
While the global yoga stage is often dominated by elaborate poses and packed stadiums, this was a quieter kind of celebration. There were no hashtags or branded mats. Just four practices, each with a different pace, woven into a morning of calm. And while it lasted just two hours, several participants later said it felt like time had briefly folded inwards.
There’s something telling about that.
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🧘@GOPIO #GoldCoast celebrated #YogaDay with 50+ participants. 🌿Sessions included Hatha, SOMA Breathwork & sound healing. 🎶Focused on mindfulness & accessibility in winter morning event. #TheIndianSun
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— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) July 1, 2025
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