HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 21: Raj Bhavan, Assam, joined the nation in celebrating the International Day of Yoga, promoting the practice for overall well-being. Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and First Lady Anita Kataria, along with Raj Bhavan officials and yoga enthusiasts from various organisations, actively participated in the event.
During his speech, Governor Kataria highlighted the significance of yoga, describing it as a precious gift from our ancestors that should be cherished and passed on to future generations. He emphasised yoga as a science-based spiritual discipline that focuses on achieving harmony between the mind and body, an art and science of healthy living.
Governor Kataria acknowledged the immense value of the International Day of Yoga as India’s contribution to holistic well-being worldwide. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for envisioning this celebration and proposing it to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Vasudheva Kutumbkam’, stresses on the concept of a unified global family.
The Governor encouraged people of all ages to practice yoga, accentuating the benefits it offers for physical and mental health. Regular practice can prevent diseases, enhance immunity, and promote overall well-being.
The yoga session witnessed active participation from Raj Bhavan officials, as well as members of organisations like the Rotary Club, CRPF personnel, Marwari Sammelan Guwahati, Byatikram Group, Akhil Bharatiya Marwari Mahila Sammelan, Marwari Mahila Ekta Manch, Marwari Yuva Manch, and Marwari Sammelan Guwahati Mahila Sakha.
At the NFR Headquarters, the Railway Indoor Stadium in Maligaon hosted the program for the International Day of Yoga in collaboration with the ‘Art of Living’ Guwahati Centre. Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, general manager of NF Railway, and other esteemed officials graced the event, witnessing the active participation of railway officers, staff, and their families. The divisions of NF Railway also organised yoga sessions at prominent railway stations and offices, emphasising the importance of yoga within the railway community.
Simultaneously, Gauhati University celebrated the International Day of Yoga on its campus, organised by the Gauhati University NSS Cell. The program, inaugurated by Prof Jagadish Sarma, highlighted yoga’s crucial role in maintaining good health and a sound mind. Dr Ranjan Kr Kakati, director, Students’ Welfare & Program coordinator, NSS Cell, GU, emphasised the unifying aspect of yoga and this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, promoting the idea of ‘One World-One Family.’ The event included yoga demonstrations and active participation from attendees.
In Silchar, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the India Club Indoor Stadium in collaboration with the district administration Cachar and the District Health Society. Prominent personalities, including Parimal Suklabaidya, Dr Rajdeep Roy, Dipayan Chakraborty, Rohan Kumar Jha, Yubaraj Borthakur, and Jonali Debi, actively participated in the program. The event featured speeches highlighting the significance of yoga by minister Parimal Suklabaidya and retired professor Dr Lakhikanta Bhattacharjee, along with yoga demonstrations and meditation sessions.
The widespread celebration of the International Day of Yoga on Wednesday, across various locations such as Raj Bhavan, NF Railway, Gauhati University, and Silchar showcased the growing awareness and popularity of yoga as a practice for holistic well-being.
Our Nagaon correspondent adds: In sync with the rest of the world, the district administration of Nagaon, National Ayush Mission, Assam, in collaboration with Sadau Asom Gramya Puthibharal Sanstha, commemorated the 9th International Day of Yoga by organising a district-level yoga practice program at the Nagaon Police Reserve auditorium early Wednesday morning.
The yoga practice program commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp at the police reserve auditorium by Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, local MLA Rupak Sarma, and deputy commissioner of Nagaon, Narendra Kr Shah.
Prominent attendees at the event included SP Navaneet Mahanta, CEO of Nagaon Zila Parishad – Ananta Gogoi, district development commissioner Satyajit Chetia, joint director of District Health Services in Nagaon – Dr Arup Jyoti Mahanta, nodal officer of Ayush Mission – Dr Dhiren Ch Nath, district sports officer Manosh Pratim Das, chairman of Nagaon Municipality Board Ambika Mazumdar, vice chairman of NMB – Simanta Bora, authority of Rural Development – Dhruba Jyoti Sarma, principal secretary of Sadau Asom Gramya Puthibharal Sanstha – Balladev Sarma, along with other senior officials from the district administration and various line departments.
As per an official release, more than 300 participants from different educational institutions took part in the yoga practice program held at the Nagaon police reserve auditorium.
Preceding the event, on Monday, the organising agencies conducted a series of competitions on various aspects of yoga practice at Nagaon Dawson HS and Multi-Purpose School in the town. Over a hundred students from different educational institutions enthusiastically participated in the yoga competitions, as stated in the release.
Furthermore, the NCC unit of Nagaon Govt Boys’ HS School, led by principal Basanta Kr Goswami and NCC officer Saiful Islam, also celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga on the school campus. Numerous NCC cadets, teachers, and students took part in the yoga demonstration.
Addressing the gathering, principal Basanta Goswami emphasised the significance of yoga and elaborated on how regular yoga practice enhances both physical and mental well-being. Saiful Islam, associate NCC officer of the school, provided guidance to the cadets during the yoga performance, according to another release.
Our Haflong correspondent adds: The 9th International Day of Yoga was observed with great enthusiasm in Dima Hasao, with events held at Council Complex and NL Daulagupu Sports Complex in Haflong, in line with the nationwide celebrations.
At the Council Complex, chief executive member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa, along with his family, actively participated in the yoga program. They were joined by DHAC chairperson Ranu Langthasa, council executive members, MACs, officers from various departments, clubs, NGOs, health enthusiasts, and the general public. Principal secretaries, council secretaries, and all officers and staff were also present.
Emphasising the significance of physical and mental fitness in today’s world, chief guest Debolal Gorlosa highlighted the importance of practicing yoga for physical exercise, which boosts the immune system, combats stress, and enhances overall mental and physical well-being. He said that yoga serves as a unifying force, bringing health-conscious individuals together and connecting them with the global yoga community.
Gorlosa stated, “In the current era, work-related stress and undesirable lifestyles have become common factors in people’s lives. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in physical activities like yoga to achieve mental peace and ensure longevity.”
The event also included the distribution of prizes to the winners of the District Level Yoga Competition, held on Tuesday, for participants aged 35 years and above, organised by the District Health Society.
Furthermore, a yoga competition took place among the elected members of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, and Projith Hojai, executive member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, emerged as the winner. Hojai was awarded a sum of Rs 25 lakh from the CEM’s special package for the construction of a Yoga Centre in the Hajadisa constituency.
At NL Daulagupu Sports Complex, Nandita Gorlosa, minister for Power, Cooperation, Sports & Youth Welfare, among others, including Member of Parliament Horen Singh Bey, participated in the session. Deputy commissioner Simanta Kumar Das, ACS, superintendent of police Mayank Kumar, IPS, ADCs, officers, and staff from various departments, district administration, police administration, school teachers, and students were also present.
Minister Nandita Gorlosa inaugurated the celebration by lighting the lamp. She addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of yoga and its benefits, and the need to incorporate yoga into daily routines rather than limiting it to a single day.
A prize distribution ceremony was held for the winners of the District Level Yoga Competition in the age groups of 10 to 18 years and 18 to 34 years, organised by the District Health Society on June 20, 2023.
Additionally, educational institutions across the district, such as Maibang Degree College, Haflong Government College, and several schools, also observed Yoga Day simultaneously.
Our Morigaon correspondent adds: The 9th International Day of Yoga was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Morigaon district administration at the premises of Morigaon Police Reserve. The two-hour-long event, performed under the official theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ representing ‘one family, one future’, was led by knowledgeable yoga teachers. The event was inaugurated by deputy commissioner Devasish Sharma, IAS, who lit the ceremonial lamp in the presence of CEO Khitish Ch Pegu, SP Hemanta Kr Das, ADCs Dyotiva Borah, Dr Sangeeta Borthakur, Biman Das, Pranjal Borah, other officers, staff, and students from different schools.
In collaboration with Asom Lekhika Samaj, Morigaon, the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Charaibahi HS School, under Kapili Education Block, also celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga with grandeur. Principal Rekhamoni Buragohain emphasised the importance of practicing yoga and its benefits in daily life, particularly for the students. Dr Bidyut Bikash Senapati, a faculty member, highlighted how yoga can help manage stress and enhance mental well-being. The students of the school showcased their talents through songs and dances on Rabha Sangeet. Faculty member Monoj Kr Nath explained the impact of yoga on the body and mind, and also conducted demonstrations during the program. An NSS rally was organised to raise public awareness about yoga, and a yoga demonstration and drawing competition were held, with enthusiastic participation from the students.
Our Hojai correspondent adds: In alignment with the global observance, the 9th International Day of Yoga was celebrated by various institutions and individuals in Hojai district on Wednesday. The Hojai Sub-divisional Administration, in collaboration with Rashtriya Ayush Abhiyan, Assam, organised the International Day of Yoga event at Sankardevnagar in Hojai. MLA of Hojai constituency, Ramkrishna Ghosh, graced the occasion along with several other dignitaries. In his address, Ghosh highlighted the origins of yoga in India and its significance as a precious gift for a healthy and prosperous life, urging everyone to benefit from it. The Hojai Municipal Board also organised a yoga event at their office hall, and Patanjali Yogpith conducted a separate event. Furthermore, the Marwari Samellan Hojai Unit, in collaboration with Marwari Yuva Manch, held a yoga program at Ram Sadan in Laxminarayan Temple in Hojai.
Our Sivasagar correspondent adds: Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Jogen Mohan, and Sivasagar deputy commissioner, Aditya Vikram Yadav, actively participated in the observance of International Day of Yoga at Rangghar Bakori premises on Wednesday. The event witnessed a significant turnout of students from numerous schools and colleges, who enthusiastically joined the yoga practice session. The collective involvement of the minister, the deputy commissioner, and the young participants underscores the growing recognition of yoga’s benefits and its positive impact on physical and mental well-being.
Our Tezpur correspondent adds: The Sonitpur district administration marked the 9th International Day of Yoga with a special program held at Hillbilly in Mazgaon. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Ranjeet Kumar Dass, minister for Panchayat & Rural Development, etc., who attended as the chief guest. Accompanying him were deputy commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra, CEO of Zilla Parishad Karabi Saikia Karan, DDC Gaya Prasad Agarwal, prominent social worker Batash Orang, and other esteemed officials from the district administration.
During the event, minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass highlighted the numerous benefits of practicing yoga and emphasised the importance of incorporating yoga and physical exercises into daily routines. He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating this ancient practice, which dates back 5000 years, to a global platform and popularising it worldwide.
A captivating mass demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol was held at the venue, attracting the participation of approximately 300 individuals, including students, Panchayat representatives, NDRF and ITBP personnel.
Later in the day, the minister conducted a thorough review meeting at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office. The session focused on assessing the implementation status of various schemes under the P&RD and Food & Civil Supplies departments. Senior officials from Sonitpur and Biswanath districts were present during the review meeting.
The observance of the International Day of Yoga in Sonitpur district exemplified the commitment to promoting physical and mental well-being through the practice of yoga, further reinforcing its significance in leading a healthy and balanced life.
Our Gossaigaon correspondent adds: Under the guidance of in-charge senior scientist and head, Puja Basumatary, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kokrajhar organised a daylong programme at Haraputa Girls ME School to celebrate the International Yoga Day with the theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. The event took place under the Gossaigaon Education Block.
Dr Muzaharul Islam, subject matter specialist (Animal Science), initiated the programme by emphasising the significance of yoga for human health. He encouraged students to practice yoga regularly at home and raise awareness among their family members about its benefits. Porna Sarma, SMS (Community Science), highlighted the ability of yoga to balance the body, mind, and our relationship with the world. She also explained the positive impact of meditation on overall well-being.
Prafulla Kr. Dutta, head teacher of Haraputa Girls ME School, addressed the students, underscoring the importance of celebrating International Day of Yoga to promote awareness of a healthy lifestyle. He urged the students to incorporate yoga into their daily routine for a sound mind and body.
The programme witnessed active participation from over 50 students and teachers of the school. Kamleswar Ray, the yoga instructor, provided insightful explanations about the benefits of yoga and demonstrated various yoga poses suitable for beginners. The session aimed to capture our collective aspiration for ‘One Earth, One Family, and One Future’. Following the yoga session, an interactive session took place where participants had the opportunity to clarify their doubts and seek guidance from the yoga expert, Kamleswar Ray.
Priyanka Bora, subject matter specialist (Agronomy), Dipangka Saikia, programme assistant (Fishery), Sunil Pator, assistant project scientist (APART), and other teachers from the school were also present and actively participated in the programme.
In addition, the 31 Bn SSB stationed at Gossaigaon organised and observed the 9th International Day of Yoga at its Battalion Headquarters, as well as all Coy Hqrs/Border Out Posts, schools, Gossaigaon railway station, and the entry point of Raimona National Park with the theme of ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’, effectively encapsulating the collective aspiration for ‘One Earth, One Family, and One Future’.
Our Kokrajhar correspondent adds: The 9th International Day of Yoga was celebrated in different districts of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) on Wednesday, along with the rest of the state. The event saw a massive turnout from various sections of society, all sending messages about the importance of incorporating regular yoga practice for a healthy lifestyle. In Kokrajhar, the district administration joined hands with the Kokrajhar district Patanjali Yog Samiti to organise a mass yoga session at the KDSA indoor stadium. Guests of honour, including Assam Cabinet minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma and MLA Lawrence Islary from Kokrajhar East, graced the occasion and actively participated in the mass yoga session. Brahma extended his greetings and best wishes for the International Day of Yoga celebrations across the region. He emphasised the daily practice of yoga to attain disease-free and healthy living. Brahma stressed the importance of reducing mental stress and increasing physical strength through regular yoga practice for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. He stated that yoga plays a crucial role in balancing the senses, bodies, souls, and minds of individuals, enabling them to live a healthy and peaceful life. Brahma expressed his immense pleasure in attending the International Day of Yoga at KDSA Indoor Stadium, where people from all walks of life participated. He urged all citizens to participate in the yoga day celebrations and contribute to maintaining a healthy society. Brahma emphasised that yoga is an exercise that promotes disease-free health for human beings. He also informed the attendees that the state government and district administration are taking significant steps to integrate yoga into the educational curriculum in the future. NTPC Bongaigaon Salakati also celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga with a mass yoga session held at the Employee Welfare Association Hall. Employees, their family members, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club members, and associates actively participated in the session. Certified yoga guru Om Prakash and CISF jawan Rubul Das conducted the session, where more than 100 participants from various employees, CISF jawans, and their family members took part. On the occasion, Karunakar Das, CGM of NTPC (Bongaigaon), addressed the employees and family members, highlighting the theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga, ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. He promoted the vision of better health and wellness through regular yoga practice. Senior officials, including GMs and AGMs, as well as members of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, were present during the program. Om Prakash demonstrated various asanas based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) released by the ministry of Ayush, government of India, under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava. He also provided guidance on maintaining a healthy and mindful diet, as well as various asanas to reduce body weight and improve breathing for a longer life. GMs, HODs, employees, union and association representatives, as well as spouses and children of NTPC Bongaigaon, attended the event. In Chirang, the International Day of Yoga 2023 was observed in various parts of the district, with the main program held at the Kajalgaon district parade ground under the auspices of the Chirang district administration. Several line departments, including sports, education, and DIPRO, along with sports clubs and NGOs, organised yoga programs at different locations to commemorate the occasion. The Baksa and Udalguri district administrations also celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga with fitting programs scheduled for the day.
