The 23rd Raahgiri turned the Janpath area in the city into a professional yoga practice area on Sunday as the International Yoga Day will be held on June 21.
A number of organisations and individuals participated in a series of events. Besides yoga, cycling, walking, skating and music were performed.
Interestingly, apart from common people, even the transgenders also were seen practicing yoga. Participants, irrespective all ages including students, youths and senior citizens, practiced yoga.
Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and cricket player Debasish Mohanty were present as the guests and encouraged the participants on practice of yoga. They were also seen playing cricket with the Raahgiri participants.
Nayak gave suggestions to the participants on the benefits of yoga.
Awareness programmes against abuse of drugs and alcohol were also held.
As June 18 is being observed as World Elderly Abuse Day, the People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) jointly with the Rotary Club of Heritage carried out some awareness activities on the theme. The members said ‘don’t separate our parents, they are not products.’ Dr RN Samantray conducted a health check-up camp for the elderly people.
The PECUC also organised a cultural function and quiz for the children. Artists of the Ama Kalakar enthralled the audience with the Sambalpuri songs. The Devine Dance Group, the Dev Dance Group and the Rhythm Dance Group performed music and dance.
In a bid to sensitise the people for gender equality, city based voluntary organisations the Center for Child and Women Development (CCWD), the ActionAid and the Beti Zindabad Campaign organised a Rongoli and signature campaign on the occasion. Holding placards, the volunteers gave slogans like ‘Save Girl, Save Country.’
Action Aid Regional Manager Debabrata Patra, Ghasiram Panda, Sudeshna Mishra, BN Durga and CCWD secretary Sadasiv Swain were present as guests.