International Yoga Day: Indian Universities Join in the Celebrations

While US seems to be going all out to celebrate June 21st as International Day of Yoga by organising pre-events across various cities, India too has joined in the cebrations.June 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014 due to Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's call for recognising an ancient Indian practise known to transform the physical, mental and spiritual state of a human being.He has said, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day."The UGC has directed all universities to organise a demonstration by yoga practitioners, an exhibition on yoga postures and an online competition on the occasion of International Yoga Day.University Grants Commission (UGC) secretary, Jaspal S. Sandhu, in a letter to the vice chancellors of all state/deemed/private universities has directed them to observe day in a "befitting manner" and listed activities to be held during the celebration.In the directive, Sandhu suggested: "In the morning a demo by yoga practitioners may be organised on Yoga Day. The willing students and faculties of the universities may practice yoga as shown by the practitioners. The other students/faculties may, however, observe the same."He said the best participants of the yoga session may be awarded prizes and certificates at a function to be organised on that day.He further added that an exhibition on yogic postures may be organised, for which banners may be displayed for awareness on the campus.Inputs from IANS