Jashpur, Jun 21 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday said yoga not only cures serious illnesses, but also reduces their risk, and appealed to everyone to set aside some time every day to practise this ancient Indian system.
State Governor Ramen Deka said yoga is India’s ancient discipline, which connects the body with mind and soul. He also said regular practice of yoga channels energy in the right direction and makes one a responsible citizen.
Both CM Sai and Governor Dekha were addressing separate events held in Jashpur district and Raipur, respectively, on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.
Sai participated in a function held at Ranjita Stadium in Jashpur district headquarters, where he also performed yoga postures with public representatives, school students, officers, employees and citizens.
“Yoga is not a new method but an integral part of our ancient Sanatan tradition which was developed by sages,” he said.
In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed for yoga to be celebrated internationally every year during the United Nations’ General Assembly session, as a result of which June 21 is being celebrated as the International Day of Yoga across the world every year, he said.
PM Modi gave global recognition to yoga, he said.
“It is a matter of pride for us that today the echo of yoga is heard in more than 175 countries,” Sai added.
He appealed to people to keep some time aside every day for yoga. “This not only cures serious diseases but also reduces the chances of diseases in the future,” he said.
On the occasion, the chief minister also performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ (ground-breaking ceremony) for Nalanda Campus that is to be built up on two acres of land at a cost of Rs 11.29 crore.
Besides, Sai performed the bhoomi pujan and inauguration of 64 development works worth Rs 107.81 crore in the district. He also appealed to people to plant saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ drive.
Governor Deka, who participated in the yoga event in Raipur city, said that yoga makes one strong not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
In today’s busy and stressful life, yoga is the easiest way to keep oneself healthy, he said.
“Yoga is a very old and precious tradition of India. Yoga is our ancient lifestyle, which connects our body, mind and soul. Today, residents of about 180 countries are performing yoga. What can be a bigger respect for the culture of India than this. The theme of this year’s Yoga Day – Yoga for One Earth, One Health – aims to make the whole world healthy through yoga,” Deka said.
“It has been proven in many studies that if we practise yoga for 20-30 minutes, then our concentration, confidence and peace of mind increases. Whether it is exam stress or career anxiety, yoga is the solution to all these,” he said.
Today, there is a rise in lifestyle diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, heart ailments and mental stress, etc. Regular yoga is beneficial in tackling these diseases, he said.
Youth associated with National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), sports and other activities should include yoga in their regular routine. This will channelise their energy in the right direction and help them become a responsible citizen, the governor added.
Deka said he has visited every district of Chhattisgarh and instructed the officials to make people aware to make yoga a part of public life. PTI COR NP
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