Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : In view of the prevailing health emergency in the country due to COVID-19, this year’s International Yoga Day (IYD) is set to go digital internationally. This was stated on June 5, 2020, by Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relation (ICCR), at a press conference.
This year, the event will highlight the utility of Yoga for individuals, to develop immunity to combat the global pandemic and strengthen the community in managing some of the significant aspects of this crisis, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe added. Also present at the press conference was Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary AYUSH.
In view of the highly infectious nature of the virus causing COVID-19, there shall be no mass gatherings. Hence, this year the Ministry is encouraging people to practice Yoga at their homes with participation from the entire family. Addressing the media persons, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe informed that PM Narendra Modi has called upon one and all to participate in the “My Life – My Yoga” Video Blogging Contest. He said that through this video blogging competition, the Ministry of AYUSH and ICCR seek to raise awareness about Yoga and inspire people to prepare for and become active participants in the observation of IDY2020 on June 21, according to a PIB release.
Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that the announcement of the contest by the Prime Minister has generated tremendous curiosity and also interest in it. The Ministry of AYUSH is confident that this interest would convert into significant public health gains as the positive impact of Yoga in the management of many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic situation is by now well accepted.
Kotecha further said that the contest will contribute in a major way in raising global awareness about the healing and therapeutic powers and transformative impact that Yoga can have in their lives. He said that all stakeholders like Yoga Institutes, Yoga Studios, Yoga Professionals are being sensitised about the blogging contest through their various platforms including print and electronic media.
Kotecha further said that the blogging contest has started on various digital platforms such as MyGov.gov.in and shall end on June 15, 2020, after which the jury shall collectively decide and announce the names of the winners. Entries for video competition can be submitted by participants under three categories covering youth (aged under 18 yrs), adults (above 18 years), and yoga professionals, and further, separately for male and female contestants. This makes it a total of six categories in all. For the India contestants, 1st, 2nd and 3rd awardees shall get a prize worth Rs 1 lakh, Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 for each of the categories. While global prizes shall be for $2500, $1500 and $1000. Immunity kits were also distributed among the journalists after the media briefing.