SHILLONG, June 21: The International Day of Yoga was on Friday celebrated across the state with participants from various walks of life coming together in large numbers to perform yoga asanas, thereby emphasising the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Events galore were organised statewide, underscoring the importance of yoga in fostering community spirit and individual health.
At Raj Bhavan, Shillong, Governor Phagu Chauhan led the International Yoga Day celebrations during a programme which was organised by the NCC Directorate, NER, and Group HQ, Shillong, on the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.
During the programme, Governor, Principal Secretary to the Governor Harish Chandra Chaudhary, Additional Director, NCC, NE region, Maj Gen. Gagan Deep, 700 NCC cadets, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan performed the yoga asanas under the guidance of experienced yoga instructor Bramachari Prem Swaroop from the Art of Living.
The Art of Living also conducted an extensive series of yoga sessions at various institutions in Shillong and Jowai. Some of them were Shillong Cantonment Board, Jhalupara, Christ College, Umroi, Shillong Airport, Sarojini Naidu Girls’ Secondary School, Shangpung village, Assam Rifles Public School, Central Agricultural University, Umiam, Shillong NCC Laitkor, Chilliangraij Jowai Community Hall, IGNOU Centre, Shillong, et al.
“These sessions were aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being through the ancient practice of yoga under this year’s theme: Yoga for Self and Society,” a statement in this regard said.
The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, too, joined the International Yoga Day celebrations by holding a programme on the theme ‘Self and Society’ in collaboration with the NSS.
The programme was attended by Padma Shri Trinity Saioo as the chief guest, NEHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, NEHU Registrar Colonel (Retd.) Omkar Singh, teachers, non-teaching staff, family members, guests, and students of the university.
Saioo, in her address, highlighted the calming benefits of yoga for the mind and soul and underscored the importance of the theme of the programme. She then spoke about the societal menace of drug abuse, advocating for self-control among youths to combat this issue, and encouraged unity in the face of diversity.
On theg occasion, a session was held that included basic yoga poses asanas, breath control (pranayama), and meditation techniques, leaving over 300 participants captivated.
The William Carey University, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the NSS unit, also organised a programme, thematised on ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment’, to mark the day.
Attended by approximately 120 students and faculty members, divided into two sessions — a theoretical session and a practical demonstration, which were conducted by Assistant Professor Dr. Satabdi Banerjee and Assistant Professor and a certified yoga instructor, Kashmiri Begum respectively.
At the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, nearly 300 people, including institute students, faculties, staff and patients, partook in a one-hour yoga session on the theme ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment’.
On the occasion, prizes were also distributed among the winners of different competitions that were held in the run-up to International Yoga Day.
On the other hand, the BRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Meghalaya Centre, celebrated International Yoga Day in the state capital during which all scientific staff, researchers and others performed yoga asanas
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Shillong, and PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Happy Valley celebrated the International Day of Yoga with more than 1,000 schoolchildren participating in the common yoga protocol practice that was demonstrated by Yoga Trainer Usha Ghosh from Meghalaya Yoga Samiti.
As part of the celebrations, inter-house quiz competition, drawing and painting competition and debate competitions were organised for the students of the school.
Special sessions were also held where students presented talks on the common yoga protocol and benefits of performing various yoga asanas.
Meanwhile, the CBC’s Field Office in Nongstoin also celebrated the day at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nongstoin to promote yoga practices.
Similarly, St. Anthony’s College marked the day by organising a programme in collaboration with the Health and Wellness Committee and the NSS.
“The initiative aimed to promote holistic health and mindfulness among students, aligning with the global observance of International Yoga Day. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn and practice yoga, highlighting its positive impact on their physical and mental health,” a statement in this regard said.
The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), too, marked the day by holding programmes across the state.
In Shillong, the Meghalaya BJP Mahila Morcha team organised a programme at SIAC, which was attended by BJP national vice president and Meghalaya in-charge, M. Chuba Ao, cabinet minister AL Hek, BJP state president Rikman G Momin, other office-bearers and karyakartas.
“The party representatives were joined by defense personnel, students and citizens representing various walks of life,” a statement in this regard said.
Similar events were held across various other parts of the state, including Ri-Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills, et al.
To mark the day, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Meghalaya Morcha, organised a yoga session in collaboration with Shillong Higher Secondary School, Pynthorumkhrah, highlighting the importance of yoga.
Further, the Border Security Force, Meghalaya Frontier, celebrated the day at its headquarters and border outposts along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
“Following the theme of Yoga Day, family members of BSF also participated in a yoga session to promote holistic health and wellness, reinforcing the importance of yoga in daily life,” the statement said.
In West Garo Hills, a programme was organised by District Ayush Society, West Garo Hills, at Captain William School near Tura.
The programme was attended by West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Nippon Hajong, Yoga and Naturopathy Physician Dr. Sambu Aryal, students of the school, among others.
