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New Delhi : Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (IC), Youth Affairs & Sports, and additional Charge MoS (IC) AYUSH, launched the 100 days’ countdown to 7th IDY at 7.30 am on March 13, 2021, at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi. The function was presided by Shri PK Pathak, additional Secretary (AYUSH).
Dr. IV Basavaraddi, Director, MDNIY, in his introductory remarks elaborated about 3 major initiatives of Government of India for the promotion and development of Yoga. United Nation General Assembly declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga, UNESCO recognized Yoga as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and Yogasana declared as a competitive sport. These initiatives resulted in exponential growth in Yoga promotion since 2014.
P K Pathak, Additional Secretary, said that Yoga has played an important role in enhancing the immunity of the human body and hence useful in management of COVID-19. He also said that the ministry of AYUSH, in association with the various stakeholders, are coming with many activities for the celebration of IDY-2021.
Rijiju, in his inaugural address, said that Yoga is the soft power and has given India a unique recognition before the international fraternity. He also said that Yoga has vast potential of employment opportunity, especially after the declaration of Yogasana as a competitive sport. He appealed to all the young students present during the function and those watching online to practice Yoga and take part in Yogasans spot. The minister also added that due to untiring efforts of the Prime Minister of India, the acceptability of Yoga has been enhanced to the extent that it has been accepted as a ‘way of life’, according to a PIB release.
Rijiju also released the first edition of Yoga Vijnana, a Bi-annual research journal of MDNIY. The journal contains very useful scientific research articles and traditional knowledge about Yoga Shastra being published for the benefit of Yoga professionals. He also launched Yoga Re-orientation training programme for Yoga Instructors of Leh-Ladakh undertaken by MDNIY. The Minister appreciated the efforts of MDNIY and said that Yoga will go a long way under flagship of MDNIY.
A brief presentation of Journey of IDY and Yoga Fusion was also made during the programme. A Yoga demonstration by Bal Mukund Singh, a 69 years old Yoga Master, was well appreciated. A 45 minutes Live Demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) under the leadership of Director MDNIY was done. Rijiju himself practiced Common Yoga Protocol along with about 300 Yoga students and enthusiasts after following the COVID-19 guidelines. Director MDNIY was the master of ceremony.
Rijiju stated that the ministry is organising a 3- days Yoga Mahotsav in six cities (eg. Ahmadabad, Itanagar, New Delhi, Bhopal, Panjim, and Leh from April 9 to April 11, 2021. The event will have the participation of various Yoga stakeholders and yoga masters.