Yoga is a precious gift of ancient India. Yoga develops mindfulness by controlling the body and mind. Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha said this while inaugurating 9th State- level International Yoga Day at Hapania International Exhibition Hall today. The State-level Yoga Day is organized under the initiative of Youth Affairs and Sports Department and with the support of AYUSH Mission of State Branch. Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha also said that with the concerted efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the United Nations has declared June 21 as Yoga Day since 2015. Today, this day is celebrated in almost all the countries of the world.
At the programme, the Chief Minister said that yoga is a journey of oneself. Everyone should practice yoga regularly for the welfare of oneself and the country. But the present generation is apathetic about yoga. Yoga can play an important role in self-development through the integration of body and mind. He said that the various steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were eagerly accepted by the common people. So, yoga is being practiced today at grassroots level of the state and country. Practicing yoga regularly on a daily basis not only keeps one healthy but also helps to develop better understanding during difficult times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi practices yoga daily even in his busiest time. We all should be inspired by him.
The theme of this year’s Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Secretaries of various departments, officers, officials of different level, jawans of CRPF, BSF and TSR, athletes, sports coaches, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra, school students and volunteers of Scouts and Guides participated in this state-level programme. Speaking at the programme, Sports Minister Tinku Roy said that the country’s traditions were lost during the British and Mughal rule in India. Ever since Narendra Modi took charge as the Prime Minister, he has been constantly working to revive the country’s dignity and tradition. The Sports Minister said that both body and mind stays healthy if one practice yoga every day. As a result, people’s health care costs are greatly reduced. The Sports Minister urged everyone to make yoga an essential part of daily life. Chief Secretary J.K Sinha and Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports Department Dr. P. K. Chakraborty also spoke on the occasion. Deputy Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly Ram Prasad Pal, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Department Satyabrata Nath, Padma Shri Dipa Karmakar were present on the occasion. On the occasion, 15 yoga mats were given to schools participating in the Yoga Day by Tripura State Branch of AYUSH Mission. In the second phase of the programme, everyone present at the programme including the Chief Minister, Sports Minister performed yoga exercises.