While highlighting the significance of Yoga in day to day life for keeping the mind and body fit, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat today called for an effective campaign to educate the masses about its benefits. He said the world has already recognized and adopted this India’s ancient and natural method for maintaining good health and keeping stress away, and time has come when all Indians (men and women) should practice this natural method for availing numerous health benefits.Speaking at a function which was organized by the Department of AYUSH, J&K at the Auditorium of Government Medical College here today to promote the Yoga in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said that now the Yoga is not only practiced in India but world-wide in view of its unique health benefits. With the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Global Body United Nations General Assembly recognized and declared 21st of June as Internal Yoga Day. The Yoga in India which is considered to be around 5000 year old mental, physical and spiritual practice and in ancient times when people used for meditation to transform their body and mind. The Yoga does not belongs to any community, religion or area specific, but it is a nature’s precious gift which does not cost anything and in return it gives numerous benefits to live a healthy and blissful life, said the Minister.
Lauding the efforts of the Department of AYUSH and various social organizations which are taking a lead role in promoting this traditional method among the masses, the Minister said that the efforts need to be stepped up and Yoga camps should be organized across the State to create more awareness and interest among the people so that more and more people involved in it to avail the natural benefits and get rid from various diseases. He said the Government of India lays stress on spread of AYUSH activities across the State for which handsome funds are being made available annually. He urged the Director General AYUSH, J&K to chalk out the year-wide calendar of activities to achieve the objective of this important programme, said the Minister.The Minister appealed the people to enthusiastically participate in the ensuing International Yoga Day on 21st June to be celebrated at different parts of the State to make this ancient and auspicious day a grand success.Director General, AYUSH, Dr. Abdul Kabir in his welcome address informed that the Department of AYUSH has been making constant efforts to promote the Yoga and other flagship programmes of Government of India in the State. He also highlighted the achievements of the Department under different components.Prominent Yoga experts namely Dr. T.R. Raina, former HoD Blood Transfusion Department, GMC, Jammu and Ms. Arunima Sinha, Chief Coordinator, Arts of Living, J&K branch precisely demonstrated the benefits of the Yoga for the human beings.The Minister also released two books published by the Directorate of AYUSH on the activities of department and gave mementoes to the dignitaries on the occasion.Several Heads of Departments, senior doctors, para-medics, students and large number of people from different walks of life were present on the occasion.