Yoga Day a damp squib at govt schools

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 21

As the Education Department had made little preparations for International Day of Yoga except sending a circular, the day was not celebrated at most of the government schools. Most schools remained closed. Even gates of some government schools, including that of the government school at Model Town, remained closed.

Though students were seen carrying out sports activities at the government school at PAU, there were no teachers or students to celebrate the day. The attendance of students and staff remained thin in schools where the day was celebrated. “As expected, there were some teachers, but just a few students turned up. We had to come here because of the instructions of the department,” said a teacher.

Many private schools, however, celebrated the day. At Police DAV Public School, various asanas, breathing exercises and meditation were performed according to the Common Yoga Protocol under the supervision of yoga instructors. The students were educated on the importance of yoga and were told that yoga helped in maintaining not only physical and mental health, but also a healthy social life. Principal Anu Verma motivated the students to make yoga an integral part of their life as it cultivates positive energy within the body and soul and promotes better living. At DRV DAV Centenary Public School, Phillaur, children got the chance to know how yoga embodies unity of mind and body. Different yoga postures were practiced. School principal Yogesh Gambhir stated that yoga was necessary part for allover development of the body and soul.

BVM School (Sector 39)

Various asana were practiced for the integration of body, mind and soul relationship. All staff members and students participated with great love and pride towards our great Indian culture. The day was also celebrated at the Udham Singh Nagar and Kitchlu Nagar branches of the school as well. OP Sabarwal, president, BVM Trust, advocated the routine practice of yoga.

DAV School (BRS Nagar)

The session started at 6 am, and all participants dressed up in comfortable attires started with asanas as per the instructions of the instructor. It was a treat for the eyes to see the participants from different age groups striving hard for perfection. Enthusiasm of participants was infectious for others to follow them. Principal JK Sidhu, who herself joined the yoga session, motivated all to adopt yoga as part of their lives to promote good health and wellbeing. She reminded every one of the magical powers of yoga and encouraged them to experience the same in their lives.

At the Pakhowal Road branch of the school, excited parents, teachers and students gathered to perform yoga at 6:45 am onwards. The morning kicked off with a holy beginning with a short prayer to foster devotion. The prayer session was followed by a short orientation speech by the school yoga instructor, Rajiv Panvar, who shared the multiple and noticeable benefits of regular yoga practice. He also warmed up and encouraged the gathering to participate and learn actively. The yogic drill included yogic jogging, several forms of pranayama (conscious breathing). At Malwa Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Model Gram, the day was celebrated by the NCC No. 4 Air Sqn and NSS unit with zeal and zest.

Green Land Convent School (New Subhash Nagar)

A PowerPoint presentation was shown demonstrating various asanas and the importance of yoga in one’s life. Various postures of yoga were performed by everyone under the guidance of the sports teacher. At the Jalandhar Bypass, branch of the chain of schools, an aura of spiritual meditation with pure vibration touched the mind and soul of all pupils.

BCM School (Sector 32)

As many as 100 NCC cadets in collaboration with the 19 Pb Bn NCC gathered in the school and practiced the different yoga asanas in the calm atmosphere. Under the guidance of the yoga instructor, they started with meditation and practiced various asanas and pranayams.

SDP Senior Secondary School (Basti Jodhewal)

Students participated in yoga sessions. They were told about the importance of yoga.