MoS for Women & Child Development and AYUSH and Lt Governor participates in mass yoga demonstration held at iconic National Memorial Cellular Jail
Port Blair, June 21: Together with the rest of the country and world, the 8th edition of International Yoga Day (IDY) was celebrated in A&N Islands too in a befitting manner today. The main function was held in the precincts of the iconic National Memorial Cellular Jail. Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development and AYUSH was the chief guest on the occasion while Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd), Hon’ble Lt Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency was the guest of honour.
In his address, the Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development and AYUSH expressed his happiness in attending this year’s Yoga Day celebration at the historic National Memorial Cellular Jail. Due to the sincere effort of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi , 21st June has been recognized as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in year 2014. He said that the 8th edition of IDY is organized in India and across the globe on the theme 'Yoga for Humanity' which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address and it focuses on 'Brand India at Global Stage' while showcasing its iconic places.
The Minster remarked that this year, the major attraction of the IDY observation is the 'Guardian Ring', whereby the yoga celebrations happening across the world is relayed throughout the Yoga Day. 'The Guardian Ring' underlines 'One Sun, One earth' concept and showcases the unifying power of Yoga, the Minster said. He mentioned that to celebrate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, Common Yoga Protocol demonstration was planned at 75 heritage/iconic sites of tourist importance across the country promoting India Branding (Monument in the Background). The Ministry with its various stakeholders has chalked out a 100 days’ countdown programme of 8th International Day of Yoga wherein 100 organizations promoted yoga in 100 places/cities, the Minister added. International Day of Yoga (IDY) has not only boosted Yoga’s popularity over the years but also expanded its geographical presence by inspiring its adoption in several new territories, the Minister said.
Describing the National Memorial Cellular Jail as a sacred place, the Minister also reminded the gathering about the role played by the freedom fighters in the freedom struggle history of India’s Independence. Many known and unknown freedom fighters made supreme sacrifices in this Jail for the cause of the motherland, he said.
Referring about the benefits of Yoga, the Minister said, people from all over the World have benefitted from Yoga. We must promote debates and discussions on the power of yoga, he said urging all to come together and inspire their near and dear ones to perform yoga, as healthy mind and healthy body are the secrets to a healthy life, the Minster mentioned. He also appealed one and all to make yoga an integral part of their daily life to stay fit and healthy.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor greeted the people of A&N Islands on the occasion of Yoga Day and said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has very precisely said, “Yoga is a Symbol of Universal aspiration for Health and Wellbeing and it is a health assurance in zero budget”. He stated that yoga is a priceless gift provided to humanity by our forefathers which ensures mental and physical health. The Lt. Governor mentioned that due to the sincere effort of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, 21st June has been recognized as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in year 2014. In the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, the benefits offered by Yoga have become even more important for physical and mental well-being, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor stated that the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) devised by the AYUSH Ministry intends to create general awareness among the masses the benefits of yoga practices in attaining peace, harmony and wellbeing. Yoga practices and AYUSH System Of Medicine are very popular in A&N Islands and various AYUSH Wellness Centres are functioning in A&N Islands. A&N Administration is focusing on providing better AYUSH System of Medical treatment and facilities for the Islanders. He said, the Prime Minister of India during his visit to these Islands laid the foundation stone for an AYUSH Hospital at Port Blair. In the first phase, a 30-bedded building was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah during his visit to these Islands in October, 2021. The Lt Governor said, there is also a proposal for creation of two new 50 bedded AYUSH Hospitals one each at Junglighat, Port Blair and Rangat.
The live telecast of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s speech was also screened at the venue. Thereafter, the Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development and AYUSH and Hon’ble Lt Governor, A & N Islands alongwith the Adhyaksah, ZPSA, Smti Pramila Kumari, Chairperson, PBMC, Smti U. Kavitha, senior officers of A&N Administration and others participated in Mass Yoga Demonstration (Common Yoga Protocol) and performed Yoga Asanas and Pranayams under the guidance of yoga instructors at the premises of National Memorial Cellular Jail.
Welcoming the gathering, the Commissioner- cum- Secretary (Health), Shri Vikas Anand said, Yoga is a holistic approach to health and well-being, balancing mind, body and soul. Stating that nothing is important than one’s health, the Commissioner- cum- Secretary urged everyone to make Yoga a part of one’s daily life & experience its benefits.
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Secretary (Health), Shri Arjun Sharma.