Yoga need not be viewed as a religious affair and it should be practised in a secular frame of mind, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has said.
Many have preconceived notions and misconceptions about yoga while there are also those who deliberately propagate such ideas. None would be allowed to hijack yoga, which can aid in disciplining both body and mind, he said.
Mr. Vijayan was inaugurating the International Yoga Day celebrations organised by the State government and the National Health Mission at Central Stadium here on Wednesday.
The government will make arrangements so that yoga training is a part of the school curriculum in all State schools. Yoga can help students in developing a disciplined routine and keep at bay many lifestyle diseases of the day, he said.
Children and youth are drawn into bad ways when they cannot discipline their mind. Yoga can help one exercise better self-control over the mind and hence it should not be practised just as a fitness routine alone. More and more people, including Westerners, are now realising the possibilities of yoga and are drawn to it, he added.
Mr. Vijayan also released the handbook for ASHAs and health workers on yoga training. Health Minister K. K. Shylaja presided.
Mayor V. K. Prashant, V. S. Sivakumar, MLA, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajeev Sadanandan, State Mission Director, National Health Mission, Kesavendrakumar, among others, were present.
