1. Overview of the Online Yoga Programme

Samagra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh has issued instructions for implementing online yoga classes in PM SHRI schools based on SOPs communicated by Heartfulness Education Trust, Hyderabad. The programme runs for 10 weeks from the end of October 2026 to the Sankranti holidays in January 2027.

• Age groups: Grades 1–3, 4–6 and 7–12.
• Daily Telugu yoga class videos are prepared for each group and delivered as scheduled live sessions, streamed through YouTube.
• Lead Teachers access the classes through the Heartfulness Yoga Academy app or the class Google Sheet with date, time, topic, group and YouTube link.
• Two Lead Teachers are nominated at every PM SHRI school.
• Class attendance and relevant information must be reported through the Daily Pulse Report on the same day.
• Week 1 and Week 10 provide student assessment checkpoints.

2. Suggested Weekly Yoga Class Timetable

Each session is 40 minutes. The SOP introduction mentions at least one yoga practice per week, while the Headmaster, Lead Teacher and student sections specify twice-weekly attendance. Follow the confirmed programme schedule.

3. Three Ways to Conduct Yoga Classes

1. Classroom with mats: Move desks and chairs aside and arrange yoga mats or durries with enough room for students.
2. Hall or covered assembly area: Arrange the class in a suitable hall or covered space. Split age-group batches and replay the session when capacity is limited.
3. Seated and standing yoga: Where mat space is unavailable, conduct the adapted seated/standing video in classrooms. This is described as the least-preferred option in the SOP.

Options 1 and 2 are preferred. If the scheduled live class cannot be conducted, arrange the recording according to the SOP so students do not miss their practice.

4. SOP 1 – Responsibilities of Headmasters

Before the programme

1. Join the Zone Level WhatsApp group along with both nominated Lead Teachers.
2. Fix a consistent 40-minute yoga slot in the school timetable and include the relevant grade-group days.
3. Release both Lead Teachers from other duties during the scheduled slots.
4. Inform parents and students about the classes and request mats or durries for the relevant days.
5. Select the classroom, hall or seated/standing option with the Lead Teachers; inform the AMO and Field Coordinator.
6. Arrange a smart TV, projector, interactive panel or other suitable display, audible speaker, broadband/4G internet and UPS or inverter backup. Test all equipment.
7. Provide Lead Teachers with information needed for safe accommodations for students with medical conditions, handled confidentially.
8. Explain that group photographs are for confirming the class and must be taken only with the school’s consent.

On each class day

• Ensure students attend the correct grade-group slot, with sufficient adult supervision.
• Make sure at least one Lead Teacher remains available during the class.
• Monitor the twice-weekly participation requirement described in the role-specific SOP.
• If the class is interrupted by rain, electricity or internet issues, arrange to play its recording later that week.

Weekly, holidays and Week 10

• Verify submission of each Daily Pulse Report; coordinate with the AMO and resolve reported issues within two days.
• Facilitate at least one Field Coordinator school visit during the 10-week programme.
• Confirm holidays to the AMO in advance; request the prescribed reporting when a class is missed due to a holiday.
• Permit the Week 10 student assessment and complete the Headmaster feedback form.

5. SOP 2 – Responsibilities of Lead Teachers

Preparation

1. Save the Field Coordinator’s contact number and join the Zone Level WhatsApp group.
2. Access the Daily Pulse reporting platform using the credentials provided and complete the test-report process.
3. Learn to open the Heartfulness Yoga Academy app or class Google Sheet and play the relevant YouTube video.
4. Test picture visibility, speaker volume, connection and the selected venue.
5. Review Headmaster-provided student accommodation information and agree which Lead Teacher will supervise each class.

Before and during each class

1. 15 minutes before: switch on the display, sound system and internet; open the appropriate class.
2. Bring students to the venue; allow approximately one arm’s length between mats or durries.
3. Keep students requiring extra support near the supervising teacher.
4. Supervise students continuously, because the online instructor cannot see them.
5. Follow safety instructions and take one or two group photographs only in accordance with the school’s consent.

Same-day Daily Pulse Report

When a class takes place, report the student count, grades attending, one or two permitted group photographs and any relevant notes. When it cannot take place, specify the reason: holiday, power failure, connectivity, screen failure or local event. If a recorded class is used later, file the report for the day it is played.

Weekly tasks

Escalate infrastructure, space and attendance concerns to the Headmaster and AMO. Encourage attendance on both designated weekly days and remind students to bring their mats or durries.

6. Safety Guidelines for All Students

• No forcing poses, competitions or correcting students by touch.
• Students should practise only within a comfortable range of movement.
• Follow the SOP advice to avoid a full meal for approximately two hours before the class.
• Never forcefully hold the breath.
• Students who are unwell, injured or uncomfortable may rest and take part only in gentle breathing and relaxation as appropriate.
• Students menstruating may rest or choose relaxation without having to disclose their reasons.
• Follow gentle alternatives and accommodations for students with relevant medical needs.
• Never practise on wet ground or stones.

7. Week 1 and Week 10 Student Assessments

The attached SOP suggests assessing approximately 30 students per grade group in Week 1 and again in Week 10. It describes the following as sample tests, subject to change:

1. Vrikshasana: time spent standing on each leg, up to 60 seconds.
2. Ardha Utkatasana: time maintaining the posture, up to 60 seconds.
3. Five-question well-being scale.

Record results in the prescribed application or form on the same day. Lead Teachers also submit their feedback form in Week 10. Students should not be pushed beyond a comfortable limit during assessments.

8. SOP 3 – Academic Monitoring Officers (AMOs)

Before classes start

1. Forward the official Samagra Shiksha circular to each PM SHRI Headmaster and confirm receipt.
2. Join the Zone Level coordination WhatsApp group.
3. Review the Heartfulness reporting dashboard, check school and contact details, and send corrections to PMShri@heartfulness.org.
4. Contact Headmasters to verify space, equipment, internet, class option and Lead Teacher readiness.
5. Confirm the 40-minute timetable slot for each school.

Daily and weekly monitoring

• Review the dashboard daily and follow up with schools that have not reported.
• On Mondays, review the district digest and contact schools with reporting issues.
• Follow up on issues escalated after 48 hours and seek resolution within five working days.
• Join the Field Coordinator for at least one visit to a school needing assistance over the 10 weeks.

Week 10

Ensure schools complete assessments and feedback forms; verify all district schools have submitted results on the dashboard.

9. SOP 4 – Instructions for Students

1. Attend yoga on the two days allotted to your grade group each week.
2. Bring a yoga mat or durrie when participating in the classroom-mat or hall arrangement.
3. Avoid a full meal in the two hours before the class, as instructed by the programme.
4. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
5. Follow the online instructor without forcing any posture.
6. Inform the Lead Teacher if you experience discomfort; rest or follow the appropriate relaxation alternative.
7. Participate in the Heartfulness Relaxation at the end of the class.

10. Support from Heartfulness Education Trust

• Central team: prepares Telugu classes, schedules app sessions and makes relevant links available through the app and class sheet.
• Field Coordinators: eight coordinators (two per zone), supporting reporting and issue resolution.
• District volunteers: two per district, supporting school visits, teachers and student participation.

11. Important Directions in the SPD Proceedings

Regional Joint Directors of School Education, District Educational Officers and Additional Project Coordinators are directed to circulate the SOPs, check school preparedness, ensure the two Lead Teachers are ready, coordinate through AMOs, facilitate the live demonstration, monitor same-day reporting and promptly rectify deficiencies.

Proceedings: Rc.No. SS-15/12/2026-SAMO-SSA, dated 26-10-2026.
Signed: B. Srinivasa Rao, IAS, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, A.P., Amaravati.