Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu on June 21, 2020, urged educational institutions to include Yoga as part of online learning programmes being conducted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as it is one of the best options to improve the body’s immunity.
Speaking at the digital ‘Yoga and Meditation Shivir’ organised by SPIC MACAY on the occasion of International Day of Yoga, the Vice President said that Yoga is a unique gift of India to the world which is successfully transforming millions of lives around the globe. He said children must be introduced to Yoga at a young age. “I am glad that ‘UNICEF Kid Power’ has listed 13 Yoga stretches and poses for children,” he added, according to a PIB release.
Observing that the 5,000-year-old Yoga tradition is not a mere workout, he said, “It is a science that emphasises balance, poise, grace, equanimity, peace and harmony.” Various components of yoga such as postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques together help in bringing about a positive transformation in the human body and mind in innumerable ways, he added.
Calling for largescale scientific experimentation to further explore the immense possibilities of Yoga as a wellness solution, Naidu said Yoga as a mode of therapy or Yog Chikitsa has become extremely popular. He said that a large number of studies offer scientific evidence for its potential to treat a number of diseases.
Referring to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of the people, the Vice President said, “Indeed the world is going through challenging times and we simply cannot allow the pandemic to get the better of us. We have to unite and put up a stronger fight and ensure that we are healthy, both physically and mentally.” He said that yoga can be an effective solution for the high level of stress that the pandemic has created in our lives.
Pointing out that the pandemic was not the only health crisis that was threatening the well being of the people, he expressed concern over the increase in lifestyle diseases. Quoting WHO, he said it was estimated that 63 % of all deaths in India in 2016 were because of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).” Yoga remains an incredibly simple but powerful instrument to prevent and control lifestyle diseases,” Naidu observed.
Expressing concern over instances of youngsters ending their lives when unable to cope with the modern-day pressures and stress, he said all such deaths were completely avoidable. Yoga can help in dealing effectively with problems like depression, anxiety and stress, which have become all-pervasive due to modern lifestyle, he added.
Appreciating the government programmes like ‘Scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals’, he said, “through the scheme, more professional Yoga teachers will be certified increasing the spread and practice of Yoga.” He said that Yoga has become one of the biggest fitness movements across the globe and the onus of keeping it alive depends on all of us.