The chantings of ‘Om’ echoed at the venue as participants lined up to practise a blend of both simple and complex asanas squatting on the mats and following procedures instructed by a group of yoga experts on the stage. Union Minister for Power, Coal and Mines Minister Piyush Goyal was overwhelmed by interest evinced by a large number of youngsters in learning the ancient practice at a programme organised by the Union Ministry of AYUSH to mark International Yoga Day at Swarna Bharathi Indoor stadium here on Wednesday. “While the entire country is commemorating the day, Visakhapatnam alone is celebrating it at 100 different places. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the country’s heritage, culture and tradition forward through yoga as a number of countries are accepting it as a healthy practice which aids in unifying the nation and the world,” he said.
Mr. Goyal thanked those who strived to promote yoga as it helps in advocating peace, health, harmony across the world.
MP and BJP State president K. Haribabu, Collector Pravin Kumar, GVMC Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan, Vice Chairman of VUDA P. Basanth Kumar, Superintendent of Police (Visakhapatnam Rural) Rahul Dev Sharma, and AU Registrar V. Uma Maheswara Rao along with Mr. Goyal followed instructions of trainers to do asanas. The Union Minister gave away certificates to those who rendered service in the field of yoga and released a poster on yoga postures.
Demonstrating a variety of postures that help keep the body, mind and soul intact, yoga trainers unfolded the session that lasted for over two hours.
Yoga on board ENC ships
International Day of Yoga was celebrated with enthusiasm by all naval personnel and families of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) on Wednesday.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral H C S Bisht joined the personnel at the Yoga session held at the Naval Dockyard. A total of over 5000 personnel took part in the sessions organised by the command at various units and locations. In addition, personnel onboard ENC ships deployed at sea also practised Yoga. During the Yoga session, Naval personnel were introduced to various asanas. “Pranayam,” conditioning practices and breathing exercises.
Meanwhile, 850 Coast Guard Coast Guard personnel, under the aegis of Coast Guard Commander (ES). Nearly 400 officers, subordinate officers, civilians and their family members actively participated at Yoga Camp held at Coast Guard Residential Area.
The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Peheredar, on behalf of Coast Guard District Headquarters-6 (AP), coordinated the event at Bheemunipatnam for the benefit of fishermen.
