Globally, around 2.1 billion people having Android phones will be able to connect with each other by posting their yoga activities in their respective countries on Yoga International Day (June 21) on a mobile app ‘Celebrating Yoga’.
The mobile app, launched on Monday by Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan at an event here, has been developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and can be downloaded from the Google Play store.
“It will be connected with Google Maps where shared information can been seen by the users. Subsequently, the information posted will also be visible on the DST website through a social wall.
“It will enable capturing both mass events being organised in public places, schools and office complexes across the country and individual enthusiasts who are performing yoga to promote the celebration of the day and yoga performances,” Harsh Vardhan explained.
To begin with, one can upload at least three snaps showcasing their participation in the event.
The Minister said, the purpose of the app is to popularise yoga and encourage people to participate in it for a scientific healthy living. “It is a small humble contribution from our Ministry to the big movement launched at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he maintained.
After the event is over we will make it a regular app where people can avail information on yoga and other related activities ensuring their better health.
The Minister also praised yoga guru Ramdev for promoting yoga in the country. “While Baba Ramdev taught yoga to India, it is our Prime Minister who spread the message of benefits of yoga across the world. It was at his initiative that the UN adopted the resolution to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga,” said the Minister.
Healthy life of citizens improves productivity and economy of the country as a whole. Practising Yoga is a means of maintaining a healthy society in harmony with nature and fulfil developmental aspirations, the Minister emphasised.
He also informed that the DST has launched a research programme “Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)” under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI). “As yoga and meditation are interdisciplinary endeavours that interface with neuroscience, medicine, psychology, engineering, philosophy etc., yoga can contribute in a holistic way to derive integrated benefits,” he added.