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The National Council of Educational Research and Training on the eve of International Yoga Day to be observed on 21 June, has developed textual material on Yogic activities for students of Upper primary and secondary stages. This textual material is meant for the students of secondary stage (Classes IX and X). It includes various yogic activities to be performed by the students of these classes. These activities are an integral part of the syllabi of Health and Physical Education brought out by the NCERT. Formal introduction of yogic activities are from Class VI however, yogic activities in an informal way can be included at the primary stage. In this textual material, practices of asanas, pranayama, kriyas and meditation have also been included. The main emphasis of development of these units for secondary stages are on developing personality and managing stress among adolescent children through yogic activities. Developing physical fitness, emotional stability, concentration and mental development of students have also been considered while developing this material.

There are three Units in this material. Unit 1 is an introductory unit, explains in brief the origin and history of Yoga and the general guidelines for doing yogic activities. It also includes specific guidelines related to yogic practices (asanas, pranayamas, kriyas and meditation, etc.) Unit 2 is for students of Class IX and Unit 3 is for students of Class X. In these two units, a brief description of each yogic practices followed by a description of steps or stages for practice have been included. Variation in techniques of yogic practices may exist. In this material, techniques which are commonly used are given. The benefit of doing these yogic activities has been mentioned. Some important do’s and don’ts including limitations which have to be kept in view while practicing these yogic practices have also been given.

A special feature of this material is that it is profusely illustrated so that teachers can learn the asanas listed in the syllabus after some initial training in Yogasanas. Illustrations made the material more attractive and user friendly. The material was developed by a team. We are deeply indebted to them for their invaluable help in preparing this material. It is hoped that student and teacher will find it useful. Comments and suggestions are welcomed to enable us to undertake further revision and refinement.