BSF
In view of the world wide pandemic scenario, the Bordermen as per the traditions have again demonstrated their resilience in dealing with the challenges to our way of life. Border Security Force, the First Line of Defence of the country has observed the 6th International Yoga Day with the theme of ‘Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family’. Border out posts are home and Bordermen are family for every seema prahari. They have observed the day following prescribed norms of social distancing. BSF endeavours to spread the message of fitness through yoga that though the present pandemic has reduced our mobility and contact with border population but it can never affect our spirit and enthusiasm.
Yoga has taken a prime role in enhancing mental and physical fitness of troops in Border Security Force. BSF has a pool of approximately 5,000 yoga instructors trained from reputed institutions. BSF Yoga team has also been a two time winner of All India Police Yoga Championships.
DWCD
Department of Women and Child Development, GNCTD, celebrated the International Day of Yoga to promote the theme ‘Yoga at home and Yoga with family’ with enthusiastic participation of staff and residents in the different institutions.
To encourage and highlight the positive transformative impact yoga has on the lives of people, especially women, sessions were organised in government and NGO-run shelter homes, swadhar greh and one stop centre of Delhi.
The participants were instructed about yoga asana, prayanam, dhyan and meditation as per the protocol issued by ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
The celebrations were started by informing about benefits of practicing yoga in everyday life and the potential for customisation to suit every one.
NFL
National Fertilisers Limited observed the International Yoga Day, wherein all the employees participated by following this year’s theme ‘Yoga at home and Yoga with family’. VN Datt, C&MD, NFL, participated in the event from home and urged everyone to make yoga and pranayama a part of their lives.
SRM
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, celebrated International Yoga Day with a yoga demonstration followed by special guest lectures.
The yoga demonstration was held at the Institute’s premises as per University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines with the social distancing protocols. The drill was for 45 minutes and was participated by SRMIST’s Vice-Chancellor, Associate Director (campus life) among others. The special guest lectures were facilitated through a webinar. The welcome address was given by SRMIST’s Director of Sports, Dr K Vaithianathan.
Vice-Chancellor of SRMIST, Dr Sandeep Sancheti, in his presidential address said, “The best way to keep your body fit and immune system strong is through yoga. It can be done from the comfort of our homes. Yoga brings harmony between man and nature and will help us discover a sense of worthiness. Regular practice leads to better physical, mental and positive changes in our lifestyle.”
Special guest for the event, Yogachemmal, Dr Meena Ramanatham, Associate professor and Deputy Director, Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research, MGMCRI, Puducherry, gave a presentation on ‘Wholistic effects of yoga for the benefit to the humanity’.
She said, “Yoga eases the conflict that happens between one’s body and mind. It eases stress and gives you a state of relaxation. Yoga practices done mindfully calms the mind. It has several biochemical, physiological benefits that will help in improving our health, strength and immunity.”
She also explained how each part of our brains works and how yoga helps to ease the turbulence that occurs within the nerves.
The other special guest, Dr R Elangovan, Professor and Head, Faculty of Yoga Science and Therapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, stressed the importance of five principles that one needs to follow — proper exercises, breathing, a good diet, relaxation, meditation and positive thinking — for leading a healthy life.
Western Railway
Western Railway celebrated International Day of Yoga with this year’s theme by encouraging sessions at home or at work places by observing all precautionary measures. This supreme mind-body discipline and gaiety was observed at all the six divisions, workshop units, railway colonies and railway institutes.
Alok Kansal, General Manager of Western Railway, motivated the employees with his inspirational address and set an example by performing and demonstrating various yogasanas.
Speaking on the event, Tanuja Kansal, President of Western Railway Women Welfare Organisation (WRWWO), said that yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. It is a very powerful tool to deal with stress of uncertainty and isolation as well as maintaining physical well-being during this pandemic. While sharing some of the other benefits, she gave the slogan: Yoga, an internal and external purifier.
HUDCO
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) organised a webinar on ‘AYUSH for holistic healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak’ to mark the International Yoga Day. The chief guest Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MOHUA, stressed on the benefits of traditional Indian medicine systems in boosting immunity and promoting well-being by achieving a healthy balance between mind and body. Further, he highlighted the revival of these systems, which have been an integral part of Indian culture and now their global acceptance.
M Nagaraj, CMD, HUDCO, shared information about the sanitation, social distancing and health care measures taken by HUDCO to ensure a safe working environment. The key speaker, Dr DC Katoch, Joint Advisor, Department of AYUSH, provided tips on self-care protocol for holistic and healthy living through the use of Unani, Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines along with practice of yoga.
