23/06/2025

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MONDAY | JUNE 23, 2025

Yoga event gains entry into Malaysia Book of Records

Orchestra to promote local

traditional music KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to reinforce its role in promoting traditional music as a vital part of the cultural heritage of the nation through themed programmes. MPO conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose said this is part of a long-term commitment of the orchestra to present Malaysian folk music as art worthy of celebration, on par with classical music from around the world. “We want the public to understand that MPO is not solely about Western classical music but also actively involved in the development of traditional music.” He also said MPO now plans its annual programmes with a more diverse genre approach, including allocating dedicated focus to folk music and cultural performances. “In the past, we may have focused solely on classical music but now we need to broaden that. Folk music, traditional music – all of these are now part of MPO’s offerings to the public. “We have genres such as asli , inang , zapin and joget , which are not only unique but also reflect the grace and beauty of Malay culture,” he said, while expressing hope that these types of music would continue to live on and be appreciated, especially since the younger generation is increasingly exposed to commercial music. Ahmad Muriz added that MPO is also taking a community centered approach by holding promotional performances in public such as at LRT stations, as a way to introduce traditional music in a more relaxed and accessible setting. “We want people to feel that this music belongs to them. When it’s played in public, we show that traditional music is not just for formal performances but a part of everyday life. “(Recently), we held a flash mob at the Pasar Seni LRT station. It wasn’t just locals who were drawn to the music but even tourists showed interest,” he said. MPO will present the second edition of the “Simfoni Budaya” concert at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on July 5, following the enthusiastic response to the first edition last year. The concert will showcase a blend of traditional Malay favourites such as asli , joget , zapin , masri and inang , featuring collaborations with local artistes, including Zehra Zambri, Hazra Dollah, Rojer Kajol and Daniel Chuer, with a special appearance by Datuk Andre Goh. – Bernama

o More than 5,000 locals and participants from Singapore and India take part in gathering to celebrate culture, wellness

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

SERDANG: The Sakthi School of Yoga held its 11th International Yoga Day (IDY) event on Saturday, that brought together culture, tradition and wellness at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang. Led by its founder master S.K. Durai, the event attracted 6,098 attendees from Malaysia, India and Singapore – underscoring the growing global resonance of yoga and the expanding international presence of the school. With a total of 5,368 active participants, the group gained entry into the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the largest yoga session. The activities opened with a cultural showcase featuring urumee melam (a traditional Indian folk drum ensemble), mayilattam (peacock dance), karagattam (a folk balancing dance) and a silambam martial arts demonstration. The yoga session that followed was a multi generational showcase of spirit and discipline. Children delivered high-energy performances, while senior citizens inspired the crowd with grace and determination. A key highlight was the Sakthi Kriya session, a spiritual practice led by Durai designed to awaken and channel inner energy. Among the segments at the event was a pregnancy yoga performance, showcasing strength and emotional resilience. This was followed by a Ramayana themed presentation, blending classical Indian storytelling with yoga choreography. Behind the scenes, a 130-member team of

A key highlight of the session was a segment designed to awaken and channel inner energy called Sakthi Kriya, led by Durai. – PIC COURTESY OF SAKTHI SCHOOL OF YOGA

and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre, in collaboration with several Malaysian partner organisations. It was held under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. “There is growing popularity of yoga in Malaysia across the age groups and its wider integration into wellness, physical as well as mental health programmes,” said High Commissioner of India to Malaysia B.N. Reddy in a statement. The event was also attended by Youth and Sports Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr K. Nagulendran. Trained instructors led a 40-minute yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol, that included a demonstration of yoga asanas (postures).

teachers and students ensured the event ran smoothly, from registration to stage management, demonstrating unity, coordination and commitment. “This event has offered not just a platform to showcase skill and dedication but a deeper opportunity to connect with the inner self and with others through the universal path of yoga,” said Durai. IDY is observed globally on June 21, following a 2014 resolution by the United Nations recognising the role of yoga in promoting physical and mental health. More than 1,200 participants gathered at Batu Caves for a parallel IDY event the same day. According to Bernama, it was jointly organised by the High Commission of India

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