Contrary to the notion cultivated by certain sections, yoga is not linked to any religion, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday, declaring the government’s intention to popularise yoga across the State.
Inaugurating the fifth International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Central Stadium, he urged everyone to take up the activity to stay healthy.
Drawing attention to the benefits of yoga for children, Mr. Vijayan said it would help them forge strong minds to stay clear of substance abuse, which emerged a cause of concern around school campuses.
The Chief Minister released the logo of ‘Sampoorna Yoga Keralam.’ A mass yoga performance was held afterwards. Inaugurating the celebrations at the Raj Bhavan, Governor P. Sathasivam described yoga as a physical, mental and spiritual activity that aided the cultivation of a balanced attitude in life and enabled us to perform our actions in a better way.
‘Energy enhancer’
“By practising yoga, we not only enhance our energy, but also pay our respects to the Indian tradition of health. Besides, the health of each individual contributes to the nation’s health. Through yoga, we are working towards a healthier and more peaceful India,” he said.
Various government agencies, private organisations and schools marked the day with mass yoga demonstrations. Four thousand students and staff members participated in the celebrations held at the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom. K.G. Ajit Kumar, co-ordinator, Kerala State Civil Services Academy, and yoga teacher D. Sreekantan Nair were chief guests.
Air Force personnel
An hour-long yoga session marked the occasion at the Southern Air Command (SAC) HQ at Akkulam. Air Force personnel under the guidance of trained yoga instructors practised different mudras and meditation exercises to calm the mind. Air Marshal B. Suresh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, SAC, presided.
The Military Station, Pangode; Coast Guard Station, Vizhinjam; and the Sainik School, Kazhakuttam; also organised demonstrations to mark the occasion.
The Sainik School also organised quiz, poster making, slogan writing, and essay writing competitions with yoga as the theme.
More than 1,500 participants performed yoga at the SAI-Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE). Sports Minister E.P. Jayarajan inaugurated the event at the LNCPE Athletics Stadium. The Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division celebrated Yoga Day at the Rail Kalyana Mandapam at Thampanoor. Vipin Saini, Divisional Personnel Officer, welcomed the gathering.
The Kerala Women’s Commission organised a yoga session at its office. Celebrations at the Santhigiri Siddha Medical College was inaugurated by Swami Vandanaroopan Jnanatapaswi, in-charge, Santhigiri Healthcare and Research Organisation.
