INTERNATIONAL Yoga Day in Harare unfolded in a calm and reflective atmosphere at India House Harare, where participants gathered for a wellness session hosted by the Indian embassy.
Immediately after the event, NewsDay Life & Style journalist Tendai Sauta (ND) spoke with yoga instructor Janita Hargoven (JH) of Brahma Kumaris Harare, who facilitated the session.
The discussion explored yoga’s role in wellbeing, accessibility and community health.
ND: What was your experience facilitating the International Yoga Day session at India House?
JH: It was a wonderful experience.
I observed participants engaging with ease and grace.
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Even those trying yoga for the first time were able to follow the sequence comfortably.
It was an enjoyable and inclusive session.
ND: How did the Indian embassy involve you and what was your role as facilitator?
JH: I have worked with the Indian embassy on wellness-related programmes for several years.
My role was to facilitate according to the 2026 International Day of Yoga guidelines, ensuring the prescribed poses were included.
I was also tasked with helping participants to understand what yoga truly is and clarifying common misconceptions.
ND: For readers new to yoga, what are its benefits beyond fitness?
JH: Yoga is a science of integrating body, mind and awareness.
It improves flexibility and muscle tone, and also supports internal balance and mental calm.
Through breathwork, it encourages oxygen flow and helps to regulate body systems such as the nervous and circulatory systems.
It is important to clarify that yoga is not a religion.
It is a structured practice of physical postures and mindful awareness designed to promote harmony and wellbeing.
ND: This year’s theme focused on healthy ageing. How did you reflect that in your session?
JH: The theme encouraged participation of all age groups, including older adults.
We demonstrated that yoga can be adapted, including chair-based movements for those who cannot sit on the floor.
The message was inclusivity and accessibility.
ND: How did you help beginners to experience calm and mindfulness?
JH: At Brahma Kumaris, yoga refers to connection between the self and the body.
We combined Hatha yoga postures with Raja Yoga meditation.
This helped participants to move from physical movement to a deeper state of calm and awareness.
Many expressed feeling peaceful and uplifted.
ND: What role does yoga play in mental health and stress management?
JH: It plays a significant role, especially in today’s fast-paced environment.
Even five to 10 minutes daily can support calmness and focus.
However, results vary from person to person and should be understood as general wellbeing support rather than medical treatment.
ND: How was community response?
JH: The response was very positive.
Participants described the session as relaxing and accessible.
Some shared personal experiences about improved wellbeing through consistent practice.
These are individual accounts and not clinically verified.
ND: What makes Brahma Kumaris’ approach unique?
JH: Our focus is on inner stillness and mental clarity through Raja Yoga meditation.
It is about reducing mental noise and becoming more present.
I have practised for nearly 30 years, and this consistency allows me to guide others into that calm state.
It is a spiritual practice focused on self-awareness, not religion.
ND: What would you say to people who feel yoga is not for them?
JH: That is a misconception.
Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, body type or flexibility.
The body naturally becomes more flexible with practice.
I encourage children to participate because it improves focus and attention.
ND: How does Brahma Kumaris Harare continue this work beyond International Yoga Day?
JH: We offer free meditation classes, workshops and group sessions at our Milton Park centre.
We also hold monthly global meditation sessions dedicated to peace and wellbeing.
ND: Final thoughts on yoga’s role in community wellbeing?
JH: If practised consistently, even for a few minutes daily in households, it can promote harmony and wellbeing in communities.
Consistency is key.