NSS Wing of Uttaranchal University celebrated ‘International Yoga Day’ on 21st June, 2021. Following the COVID-19 guidelines and protocol, approximately 50 teaching and non-teaching staff actively participated in the activity and other members and students of the University participated through online mode. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that has its roots in India. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness around the world, regarding the benefits of practicing the art of Yoga. The day is being celebrated since 21st June, 2015. “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well-being.”
Uttaranchal University has always felt proud in taking the great legacies and traditions of this country ahead. Besides, the University has given great importance to the holistic development of its students and therefore the University celebrated the International Yoga Day with enthusiasm on June 21, 2021 like the previous years.
The programme began at 9.30 am with the Welcome Address delivered by the Dean – SALS, Prof. Ajay Singh. Thereafter the Yoga Instructors, namely, Mr. Sashi Kant Dubey and Mr. Manoj Jayaswal (Bhartiya Yoga Sansthan, Dehradun) started the session with a prayer and explained how yoga embodies unity of mind, body and soul. The participants thereafter performed various Yoga asanas like Naukaasan, Dhanuraasan, Shavaasan, to mention a few.
All yoga asanas were initially demonstrated by the experts before being performed. Finally, the session ended with meditation and prayer.
The students participated virtually through video conferencing and also submitted their photos and videos performing Yoga asanas. The students showed their adeptness in yoga and many volunteers expressed their happiness after the session. The trainers, while addressing the volunteers, explained the scientific health benefits of doing various Asanas. It was also ensured that all volunteers did it in the right way and with enthusiastic spirit.
While speaking in the concluding ceremony of the event Dr. V. K. Srivastava said that the tradition of Yoga is thousands of years old and it has always helped in the moral and spiritual character development of the people who practiced it besides adding to their health.
