International Yoga Day Countdown Events Begin Nationwide Under Ayush Ministry

As part of nationwide preparations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) to be observed on June 21, a series of countdown programmes is being conducted across the country. These programmes are being held under the guidance of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY). The institute functions under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.

The national-level 100-day countdown was inaugurated at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event was led by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav.

In continuation of this initiative, state and regional events are being organised under the Yoga Mahotsav framework.

Regional Participation from Andaman

Representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr Ch Hemanta Rao, Director of CHR Yoga and Nature Cure Centre, participated in the national launch of the countdown programme.

At the regional level, a 78-day countdown programme has, however, been approved for the CHR Yoga and Nature Cure Centre in South Andaman.

As part of the schedule, a large-scale event was, however, held on April 4 at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School Hall in Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman.

The programme saw participation of 503 individuals from diverse sections of society. This included residents from various communities, reflecting the inclusive spirit of ‘Mini India’.

Special emphasis was placed on the involvement of tribal communities, underlining the outreach of yoga practices across cultural groups.

The event began with a welcome address by Dr Ch Hemanta Rao. Swami Omkaratmananda, Secretary of Ramkishan Mission, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was also present. This was followed by a session on the Common Yoga Protocol conducted by trained yoga instructors.

The initiative, however, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga. It also seeks to encourage wider public participation in the upcoming International Day of Yoga celebrations. Refreshments were arranged for all attendees.

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