Srinagar, May 31: The Directorate of Ayush J&K, in collaboration with the Moraji Desai Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, marked the occasion of “YOGOTSAV” to kickstart the countdown to the 9th International Day of Yoga, which will be celebrated on June 21, 2023. The event took place at Polo Ground Srinagar, where Yoga sessions were organized in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir as part of the “YOGOTSAV” campaign. A grand yoga session was conducted at Polo Ground, led by the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, on Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 AM.
The session was inaugurated by Shri Bhupinder Kumar, IAS Secretary to the Government Health & Medical Education Department, in the presence of esteemed guests including Dr. Masood Tanvir, Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar and Government Unani Medical College Ganderbal, Kashmir, Dr. Mohan Singh, Director Ayush, J&K, and Nuzhat Ara, Divisional Officer of Youth Services and Sports. The program witnessed the participation of medical and para-medical staff of the Directorate of Ayush J&K, para-military forces, civil society members, and the general public.
Trained Yoga Instructors from the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, led by Dr. Ruhi Tabssum, showcased various Yoga Asanas and Pranayams aimed at preventing lifestyle-related ailments such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, respiratory problems, joint pains, and hypertension. The participants were also introduced to Yog Nidras and meditation techniques to combat stress-related disorders and enhance concentration levels. The demonstration followed the Common Yoga Protocol widely recognized worldwide.
Speaking at the event, Shri Bhupinder Kumar highlighted the significant role of Yoga in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He emphasized that Yoga has always been India’s soft power, promoting mindfulness, awareness, and consciousness. Shri Bhupinder Kumar further emphasized that health, wellness, and global peace can only be achieved through an aware and empathetic mind, as laid down in the principles of Yoga.
Dr. Mohan Singh, Director Ayush J&K, expressed the commitment of the Directorate of Ayush J&K to promote proven yoga practices among the masses for holistic health, encompassing physical and mental well-being. He revealed that the Directorate, in collaboration with the District Administration and other allied departments, is organizing Yoga events across all District Headquarters of J&K, encouraging people from all walks of life to participate. Trained Yoga Instructors from the Directorate of Ayush also conduct daily yoga sessions at all Ayush Health & Wellness centers established in J&K.
Dr. Mohan Singh further announced that the grand finale of the countdown to the 9th International Day of Yoga will be held on June 21, 2023, at the District Headquarters of Jammu and Srinagar. The event will be organized in collaboration with Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, Directorate of School Education, Department of Youth Services and Sports, and will witness the participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), NGOs, and the general public. Additionally, Yoga events will be organized in all District Headquarters of J&K in collaboration with the District Administration, Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, Self-Help Groups of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, and the Department of Youth Services and Sports.