Gaurika Sharma
International Day of Yoga celebrations held in Chandigarh
The 4th International Day of Yoga was celebrated today in Chandigarh, Sector 17 Plaza with great zeal and enthusiasm. The grand event was graced by Sh. V.P Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T., Chandigarh as the Chief Guest and Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles, as the Guest of Honour. The event saw massive participation of 4000 plus participants including 25 Divyang Jan from the City who performed Yoga demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol.
Present among the galaxy of eminent personalities were Smt. Kirron Kher, Member of Parliament, U.T, Chandigarh, Sh. Parimal Rai, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Sh. J.M. Balamurugan, Secretary to Governor, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, IAS, Home Secretary, Sh. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, IAS, Finance Secretary, Sh. Ajit Balaji Joshi, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. K K Yadav, IAS, Commissioner Municipal Corporation, other senior officers of the Administration, Chandigarh Police and Yoga Institutions/Associations.
After the United Nations established 21 June as International Yoga Day, the day has become another festival for Yoga aspirants all over the world. With a glorious past of hosting the 2nd International Day of Yoga in Chandigarh where Hon’ble Prime Minister of India led the mass Yoga at Capitol Complex, the City Beautiful has engaged in massive Yoga programs since then. Be it the yoga enthusiasts, representatives of Yoga centers, all have become aggressive towards promoting Yoga among the citizens and making Chandigarh a Healthier City on the National Map.
Sh. V.P. Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T, Chandigarh and Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles also performed the Yog Asanas with the participants. Addressing the huge gathering, Sh. V.P. Singh Badnore shared “The practice of Yoga is blossoming, and growing more vibrant every day. As we assemble here today at the Plaza, millions of people from around the world will join in this great celebration of yoga. Two years back, the city beautiful got an honour to host the 2nd International Day of Yoga, wherein the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, led a mass yoga demonstration with more than 30,000 people including 150 Divyang Jan. On this International Day of Yoga, let us come together and contribute not only to our healthier and happier life, but also to a more prosperous and peaceful world, and a more sustainable future for our planet.
Many Yoga Associations joined hands with Chandigarh Administration to make this a successful event. Associations like Government Colleges of Yoga, Patanjali, Art of Living, Brahm Kumaris, Santh Nirankari, Chandigarh Yoga Federation, Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, Yog Sachita, Brahm Rishi Yoga Training College-19, Yoga Federation, Chandigarh Yog Sabha and Bihar School of Yoga extended their support for this event.Addressing the media during the occasion, the Union Minister said, “I thank people for participating in big numbers. Yoga not only contributes to our fitness and well-being but also opens doors to self-discovery and spirituality. On the 4th Yoga Day, let us cherish our timeless heritage and adopt Yoga for a healthy lifestyle.”
Ayush Department and Govt. College of Yoga Education & Health have played a significant role in bringing thousands of yoga enthusiasts at a common platform. Several Yoga Orientation Programmes were held throughout the city. Certified yoga instructors and experts imparted training as per the yoga protocol chalked out by the Ministry of AYUSH. A feather in the cap was added in the achievements of Govt. College of Yoga Education & Health with the opening of 38 centers under Ayush Department under which free yoga classes are being conducted, free of cost, for the General Public at various Government Schools of the City Beautiful. It was for the joint efforts of both the Institutions that Yoga activities started in the City before the celebration of International Day of Yoga.
