Sometimes the wrong decisions lead us to the right path – one we never expected, filled with surprises that redefine our journey. My story is a testament to that.
2024 was a year of uncertainty, and between exams and admissions, I found myself at a crossroad regarding the direction to take. Though I had always been connected to yoga, somewhere along the way, I had overlooked its significance in my life. I was known as the ‘Yoga Girl’ in the school. I conducted yoga classes during summer camps and even took a few online sessions during the lock down. But, I never showcased my yoga skills until the university competition.
To my surprise, my coach at BRM College Shivani Di, was one of my seniors in the BYMM (Bal Yoga Mitra Mandal) group. “I never knew you were so good at yoga!” She said, amazed, and shared it with others. Yoga gave me a unique identity, one that set me apart from others. I became the University banner in yoga and led my college team to victory.
Then came another golden opportunity – the All India Inter-University Yoga Competition in Bhubaneswar. Competing at the national level, surrounded by incredible yoga artists, was a thrilling experience. Though we didn’t win, the exposure was invaluable. I was inspired, challenged and motivated to push my limits further.
One day, I received an unexpected call from a teammate from the yoga competition, a member of YYMM (Yuva Yoga Mitra Mandal), “Do you know about the Republic Day Parade? The tableaux artists who represent states and ministries?” he asked. I was intrigued. He explained that a group of 26 members from Bihar was being formed to represent the ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the ministry of Earth and Science. We were told that we had to perform yoga, so we began preparing advanced asanas.
Excitement surged through me. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity – to walk on Kartavya Path, represent my country, and meet honourable dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and President of India. I immediately shared the news with my sister, but convincing my family was tough. I gave my sister’s name for the program too, also a good yoga practitioner. Eventually, with much persuasion, we got the green signal.
Upon reaching Delhi, a MoD officer welcomed us. The atmosphere was enthusiastic as we shouted, Jai Hind and Vande Mataram, heading towards our home for 20 days, the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp.
The camp was an incredible melting pot of cultures, with participants from all over India. We lived in the tents, the camp provided everything we needed – bedding, heaters, buckets, and other essentials. Our dining area, Sanjha Chulha, became our gathering spot. Every evening, the Jhankar Hall turned into a celebration of cultures, as it hosted breath-taking performances from different states. They had been practising for months. We, too, performed yoga a few times and received praise from everyone.
Delhi’s cold made waking up for yoga practice a challenge, but yoga had trained in self-discipline and endurance. Almost each morning, we practised in the Jhankar Hall, sometimes joined by participants from other teams. Though we were officially representing MNRE, we became known as the ‘Yoga Group’, ‘Munger Walleh’, or simply ‘Bihari’; as we often carried our yoga mats, spreading the message: ‘Be Good, Do Good’.
Initially, we believed we would be performing advanced yoga and surya namaskar as a stationary act. But on reaching there, we learned that we had to perform yoga while marching along with the tableau – an entire new challenge. Walking while dancing is difficult, but walking while doing yoga? Almost impossible.
Our first trial on Kartavya Path was a disaster. What worked in practice completely failed in motion. We couldn’t synchronize, the movements felt unnatural, and we were unable to keep the pace with the tableau. The judges were disappointed, demanded more variations. We had only a few days to prepare it.
This is where yoga’s true essence came into play samskar, swavalamban, rashtra sanskriti prem that helped to adopt the schedule. We always had to be alert and ready as announcements were made almost any time in the day. Through early morning practices and late night meetings, we refined our moves, incorporated balanced techniques and trained tirelessly. After multiple failures, we finally cracked the sequence, blending yoga with fluid movements.
Our team of 26 members was diverse. Interacting with other groups and mingling with different teams was an exposure which enriched us with cultural insights and new friendships.
On 21st January, cultural day was celebrated at Rashtriya Rangshala, where all the participants performed, we too gave our yoga performance. It was later followed by the announcement of winners amongst states.
On 23rd, we attended a press meet, where journalists interviewed us about our theme and mission, related to our tableaux and our experience. We were now part of something much bigger than ourselves.
A fusion dance was prepared in which one of the best artists from each group was sent. My sister, Divya, was privileged to perform in front of the Prime Minister and President with the team.
On 24th, after passing the high security check, we visited the Prime Minister’s House and met the Honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji. Interacting with him was an unbelievable moment. He shared insights on consistency, perseverance, the importance of curiosity, and clean and green India. It was a moment that will forever stay with me. We watched performances by NCC, NSS and RSC artists which were magnificent; then we had a grand dinner on his lawn. Upon interacting with a participant from Munger, Bihar, he extended his respects to the land of Munger, acknowledging that Munger is renowned worldwide for yoga and now the entire world is embracing yoga.
On 25th, we visited Rashtrapati Bhavan and met President Draupadi Murmu ji. The visit was followed by lunch in the lush garden adorned with beautiful flowers. The experience was unforgettable.
On 30th, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth presented awards to the best marching contingents and tableaux of the Republic Day Parade in Rashtriya Rangshala Camp.
On 31st January, a reception was thrown by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in honour of the tribal guests and tableau artists.
26th January arrived, bringing waves of emotions, excitement, pride and nervousness. As the parade began, the atmosphere was filled with patriotic spirit. It included fag hoisting, military march, fly pasts, daredevil bike stunts, award ceremony, tableaux and beating the retreat, all unfolded in perfect rhythm.
This year, 31 tableaux participated and the theme for this year was ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas – Golden India: Legacy and Growth. All tableaux were in series, as our tableau moved along the Kartavya Path, hearing the cheers from the crowd, the tricolour waving in the air, people responding to Vande Mataram and Jai Hind was overwhelming. All the struggle was worth it.
As I look back, I feel blessed and grateful for every lesson, and every person I met along the way. This journey has left an indelible mark in my heart, and I will carry its memories and learning with me forever.