In the run up to the International Yoga Day to be held on June 21, 2021, a string of programmes are planned across the country including a three-day Yoga Mahotsav in six cities— Ahmedabad, Itanagar, New Delhi, Bhopal, Panjim and Leh from April 9.
The event will have the participation of various yoga stakeholders and yoga masters. The preparation is going on with coordination with respective States, said Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (IC), Youth Affairs and Sports and additional Charge MoS(IC) AYUSH l after launching the 100 days’ countdown to 7th IDY at an event here.
Calling Yoga, a soft power which has given India a unique recognition before the international fraternity, the Minister said that it has vast potential for employment opportunities, especially after the declaration of Yogasana as a competitive sport.
All the young students present during the function and those who are watching online to practice Yoga should take part in Yogasans sports, said the Minister while PK Pathak, Additional Secretary (Ayush) said that Yoga has played an important role in enhancing the immunity of the human body and hence useful in management of Covid-19.
Dr IV Basavaraddi, Director Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) talked in detail about how at the initiative of India, the United Nation General Assembly declared 21st June as International Day of Yoga. “UNESCO recognized Yoga as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and Yogasana declared as a competitive sport. These initiatives resulted in exponential growth in Yoga promotion since 2014,” he said.
Later, the Minister launched the edition of Yoga Vijnana a Bi-annual research journal of MDNIY, containing useful scientific research articles and traditional knowledge about Yoga Shastra, being published for the benefit of Yoga professionals.
The Minister also launched Yoga Re-orientation training programme for Yoga Instructors of Leh-Ladakh undertaken by MDNIY.
A Yoga Fusion performance, by a group of students, was also made during the programme.
A Yoga demonstration by Bal Mukund Singh, a 69-year-old Yoga master was well appreciated.
The Ministry has lined up different IT assets to facilitate the IDY observation. The “Year-long Yoga” calendar which provides information about Yoga programmes across the country. The Namaste Yoga App which is designed as a mobile equivalent of the Yoga Portal will be launched in May 2021, said Dr Basavaraddi.
