Yoga Made Possible for Every BodyAccessible, heart-centered practices

A special message from **Pujya Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri** , Vice-Chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math and President of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. As Amma’s senior most disciple, Swamiji has devoted his life to sharing Amma’s vision of compassion and spiritual upliftment. He has been residing in **Amritapuri Ashram** since its inception in the late 1970s.

Swami Paramatmananda Puri explores the profound impact role models have on shaping our character, emphasizing the responsibility parents and professionals bear in setting virtuous examples. Through the legendary story of Bhishma from the Mahabharata, the article illustrates the power of selflessness and respect for parents. Bhishma's extraordinary sacrifices—renouncing the throne and a personal family life to honor his father's wishes—serve as a timeless reminder to prioritize dharmic values and others' happiness over personal desires. In our journey, we are encouraged to emulate high-minded role models who lead us toward truth, selflessness, and enduring happiness.

This year’s International Day of Yoga (IDY) theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlights yoga’s power to transform both individuals and communities. As Amma emphasized, yoga is not just a physical exercise but a path to mental peace, spiritual growth, and self-dependence—a state where true happiness and security come from within, unaffected by external circumstances. By promoting both physical and mental well-being, yoga is essential in today’s world, reducing stress and fostering mindfulness. This individual practice creates a ripple effect, inspiring others and contributing to a healthier, more balanced society.