The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday asked all universities under its watch to not only organise a series of activities on International Yoga Day on June 21, but also submit action taken reports (ATRs) on the preparations by the beginning of next week.
Though the UGC letter to the vice-chancellors uses the phrase “it is desired to adopt” the four listed activities, the very requirement for varsities to submit ATRs on the preparations by June 8 makes it almost mandatory for them to observe Yoga Day.
For many a university, the day falls right in the middle of summer vacations and would entail pulling students and faculty in from their holidays.
A similarly worded letter was sent by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to all its approved institutions on May 19; only ATRs on preparations were not sought.
What has been sought by AICTE is a detailed report on the activities organised on June 21 after the day is through.
The four activities that universities and affiliated colleges under UGC and AICTE-approved institutions are expected to organise include a demonstration in the morning by yoga practitioners. Students can volunteer to join the demonstration and prizes will be awarded.
The UGC also wants universities to organise online essay competitions and mount a “Yoga Exhibition on Yogic Postures”.
