International Yoga Day: Residents flex it out on yoga mats

Amritsar, June 21

Rain played a spoilsport but thousands of people took part in a number of yoga programmes held at various places to mark the eighth edition of the International Yoga Day here on Tuesday.

A major programme was held at Attari, near the International Border, which featured in the list of 75 iconic sites selected for observation of this edition of yoga day by the Ministry of Ayush. It was held in the spirit of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as the country celebrates 75th year of Independence. Karnesh Sharma, IAS, said: “Yoga is India’s gift to the world.”

Hockey Olympian Balwinder Singh also took part in the programme. He said the location of the programme close to the India Pakistan border at Attari is reflective of the theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga across the globe, which is ‘Yoga for Humanity’.

The District Legal Services Authority celebrated by conducting yoga at the judicial court complex and ADR Centre. On this occasion, Daljit Singh Ralhan, Additional Sessions Judge said judges, staff members, NGO and others participated in it. He appealed to people to start yoga on the occasion and make it a part of their daily routine to stay healthy.

Programmes to mark the day were held at Jallianwala Bagh, Company Bagh and Gobindgarh Fort in the city with the aim of promoting yoga among people. PUDA chief administrator Lovejit Kaur Kalsi was the chief guest at Jallianwala Bagh.

The district administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Central Communications Bureau and the Central Yoga Institute held a demonstration of yoga asanas. Yoga experts demonstrated asanas. Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Surinder Singh (PCS) was the chief guest. He said: “Yoga is an important part of our lives. That is why everyone should successfully carry forward the initiative made today.” He said people should be motivated for yoga so that they can lead a healthy life.

During yoga day celebration held at Qila Gobindgarh, CRPF Commandant RK Sharma was the chief guest. He was accompanied by Assistant Commandant Yogesh Yadav and Senior Medical Officer Dinesh Kumar. Yoga gurus conducted yoga asanas for the officials and schoolchildren.

The BSF held various programs such as yogasan sessions, written quiz and yogasana competitions across Punjab Frontier. The main event was organised at the Joint Check Post (JCP) Attari, where, after the virtual address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Mysuru, Karnataka, BSF officers and men, officers from the ministry, from Punjab Government and local officers participated.

Vajra Corps celebrated the day across all its stations in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Tibri, Khasa and Beas. Common yoga protocols, including asana, pranayama and dhyana sessions were held for all ranks and their families to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

At 6 am, all ranks and families of Vajra Corps joined the yoga day programme and practiced yoga under the guidance of certified instructions. Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding Vajra Corps and Rani Sharma, Zonal President Vajra AWWA, also participated.