By Sheikh Nazir
X: @the_news_21
Srinagar: In a soul-stirring celebration of inner strength and inclusion, the specially abled children of Dagger Parivaar School in Baramulla participated with boundless enthusiasm in a yoga session on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2025.
Amid the serene surroundings of the picturesque Baramulla town and the warm embrace of the community, these young champions performed various yoga asanas under the guidance of trained professionals, showcasing resilience, joy, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
Organized with support from the Indian Army’s Dagger Division in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH and the district administration, this yoga event was more than just a physical exercise session—it was a living example of how inclusion and compassion can lead to empowerment and transformation.
The children, facing challenges from conditions like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome, performed yoga poses and breathing techniques with unmatched zeal, radiating positivity and strength—it was a moment of magic, compassion, and empowerment.
With the morning sun casting a golden glow on the school grounds, children living with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and other challenges performed yoga asana under the careful guidance of expert instructors. Every pose, every breath, spoke volumes—not of limitation, but of courage and joy.
Yoga, deeply rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural legacy, has become a global symbol of harmony. But at Dagger Parivaar School, it found an even deeper purpose—as a bridge connecting body to mind, and individuals to the world around them. For children with special needs, yoga isn’t just a form of exercise; it’s a path to emotional balance, physical strength, and inner calm.
As the children gently stretched, balanced, and breathed their way through the session, it was clear this was no ordinary practice. The yoga routines were lovingly tailored to each child’s ability. Adapted postures, soft props like cushions and belts, and the constant encouragement from instructors ensured that every movement was accessible, safe, and joyful. What makes yoga truly transformative for these children are its wide-ranging benefits:
1. Motor Skill Development: Yoga helps in improving gross and fine motor skills. For children with cerebral palsy or muscular challenges, it strengthens weak muscles and enhances coordination.
2. Emotional Regulation: Children with autism or developmental delays often struggle with emotional expression. Yoga helps regulate emotions through controlled breathing and mindfulness.
3. Sensory Integration: Yoga postures and sequences improve sensory processing, which is crucial for children with sensory integration difficulties.
4. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Through practices like Pranayama (controlled breathing) and meditation, yoga reduces hyperactivity, calms the mind, and alleviates anxiety.
5. Confidence and Socialization: Group yoga activities foster a sense of community, self-worth, and interpersonal connection. Children feel included and appreciated.
At the Dagger Parivaar event, the yoga instructors, trained under the guidance of AYUSH experts, demonstrated several modified poses that were well-suited for children with special needs.
Among them were: Child’s Pose (Balasana) – A calming and restorative posture offering comfort and grounding, Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) – Adapted with support, it improves balance and concentration, Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) – Promotes spinal flexibility and gentle coordination, Seated Forward Bend – enhances muscle length and reduces stress and Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) – opens up the hips and helps in relaxation.
Each pose was taught with warmth and patience, letting every child move at their own rhythm. The joy on their faces made it clear—this was not just exercise, it was celebration. Breathing exercises added another layer of serenity to the morning. Children practiced Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (humming bee breath), and belly breathing—simple yet powerful tools that quiet the mind and nurture concentration.
The session concluded with a short guided meditation. As the children closed their eyes and imagined peaceful scenes, a silence full of peace settled over the ground. Some smiled. Others simply breathed, visibly relaxed. For many, this moment of stillness was perhaps their first true sense of calm in days.
What truly stood out was the care behind the event. The yoga instructors—trained under AYUSH and supported by special educators and therapists—understood each child’s unique journey. Their compassionate approach ensured every participant felt seen, supported, and celebrated.
The Indian Army’s Dagger Division, known across North Kashmir for its community outreach, played a vital role in making this event so special. Officers, volunteers, and caregivers stood shoulder to shoulder with the children, offering cheers, high-fives, and encouragement throughout.
One instructor reflected, “each child here is a warrior. Yoga is not just improving their flexibility or posture — it’s giving them the belief that they can. Today isn’t just about yoga; it’s about joy, courage, and hope. Parents, too, were visibly moved. One mother shared, “my daughter has always struggled with balance. But today, seeing her lift her arms, stretch her body, and smile… I can’t describe the happiness. I’m so grateful to the school and the Army.”
The Dagger Parivaar School has long stood as a symbol of inclusive education and love in North Kashmir. Through programs that nurture not just academic skills but also emotional and physical well-being, it provides children with a safe space to flourish. Celebrating International Yoga Day here was more than ceremonial—it was deeply symbolic. It was a declaration that every child, regardless of ability, has the right to wellness, joy, and community.
Yoga, in this space, became a celebration of life itself. As dawn broke over Baramulla, what unfolded wasn’t just a yoga session—it was a tapestry of unity, care, and resilience. The specially abled children of Dagger Parivaar reminded us all of what yoga truly is: not just a physical discipline, but a practice of inclusion, peace, and love. In their steady breath and bright eyes, in their small stretches and giant smiles, was a quiet revolution—a message that in a world of noise and division, stillness, compassion, and connection can light the way forward.
May this day serve as an inspiration to bring yoga into the lives of all children, especially those with special needs. For in doing so, we don’t just stretch bodies—we stretch hearts, expand minds, and build a world where every child can thrive.
About the Author: The Author can be reached at – Shykhnazir580@gmail.com
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