IMPHAL, June 21: As in other parts of the nation and world, the first International Yoga Day was also observed widely acrossed the State today.
National Cadet Corps (NCC) performed yoga to commemorate the First International Yoga Day at 18 venues spread across the State today.
Under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarter, Imphal and North Eastern Region directorate more than 6500 cadets participated at 18 venues in Manipur State. All the NCC Cadets dressed in white T shirts performed the asanas as per the protocol given by Ministry of Ayush from 7 am to 7.35 am at all 18 venues.
NCC has been at the forefront of `Nation Building`™ by grooming the youth to become responsible citizens. It has been conducting social awareness and community development programmes and adventure activities aimed at all round development of its cadets. This unique performance on the `International Day of Yoga`™ has added another feather to the cap of this youth organization.
The NYK Thoubal also observed the day which was attenedd by around 1150 people including youths, students, womenfolk, NSS Students and government officials.
This was conveyed by Sahib Singh, Zonal Director of NYKS Imphal Zone, saying that the quality, content and sequence of the programme were excellent.
The observance held on the theme `Yoga for Harmony and Peace` was inaugurated by MLA K Meghachandra Singh who is also the Parliamentary Secretary (MI and IPR) and Kh Surnalata Devi, Adhyaksha, Thoubal Zilla Parishad.
Tree saplings supplied by District Forest Officer Thoubal were also planted at the MMRC Park to mark the occasion.
T Ranjit Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal ; K Radhashyam Singh, Superintendent of Police, Thoubal; Sahib Singh, Zonal Director, NYKS, Imphal Zone and Kh Menjor Singh, Chairman, MMRC, Khangabok als attended in the function as guests of honour.
Around 200 students demonstrated yoga under the direction of yoga Guru Jeevan Abhiram Ningthouja. The Parliamentary Secretary honoured the yoga guru in the function.
Apart from the yoga guru Prof. L. Ibungohal Singh of Modern College and Prof. L. Sanahal Singh, NSS Programme officer of YK College were also felicitated by chief guest of the function Y Laksman Singh for their active support and cooperation to make the observation a success. Film show on yoga was also shown to the people.
K. Meghachandra Singh administered yoga pledge to the participants.
In his keynote address Y Laksman Singh highlighted the background on how the International Day of Yoga came into being, its objective, vision and mission of NYK in fulfilling the ultimate goal of practising yoga. He also pointed out all possible measures that the youths and officials can bring changes in the country.
He also inaugurated the Yoga Exhibition and Yuva Kriti organised by the Kendra at the hall with materials supplied by NYKS. 20 Yuva Kriti stalls of handloom and handicrafts and dry fruits were exhibited. The products came from the Skill Upgradation Training Centres and SHG Centres of Thoubal and Kakching Blocks.
The observance was also held at the conference hall of DC office Thoubal under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner in which Y Laksman Singh, DYC was the resource person of the programme. Under the guidance of NYK, the village youth clubs also observed the day at Thoubal and Kakching blocks.
The International Yoga Day was also widely observed in Tamenglong district too.
Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) Tamenglong District observed the International Yoga Day in all the affiliated youth clubs in different blocks in the three sub-divisions.
The district level main function of the observance was held at the office complex of Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong wherein DC M Luikham himself and subordinate staff participated.
The day was also observed at 13 Assam Rifles battalion, Tamenglong by personnel of the battalion.
In Noney, the International Yoga Day was observed at the battalion headquarter of 8 Assam Rifles in the presence of its Commanding Officer (CO) Colonel Rajiv Chowdhury along with other personnel numbering about 400.
The first International Yoga Day was observed by Prajapita Brahma Kumari, Kwakeithel Moirang Purel at Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, In-charge of Brahma Kumari, Manipur Nilima Bahenji said that
There is a need for human to concentrate and feel internally to evade all the negative attitudes from minds.
She maintained that Yoga not only bring good health but also help in adapting good behaviour in the society which is necessary.
Yoga Guru BK Memita while talking to this IFP reporter said that Brahma Kumari is a spiritual Godly University of Rajyoga Meditation recognised by the UN.
She informed that it has 850 centres spread across 147 countries.
The centre in the state started functioning from 1992. The university enrols students irrespective of educational qualification, she said, adding that the main objective of the university is to convert evil minds into positive one by teaching them how to control mind.
She also informed that there are eight branches of Brahma Kumari in the state accommodating around 700 students.
A cancer patient aged around 86 years also came to the centre for meditation as it helps her live healthy and happily, she added.
The Directorate of AYUSH, Government of Manipur and State Health Mission Society, Manipur jointly observed the International Day of Yoga at the hall of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Lamphelpat.
The observation function was graced by Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing as chief guest; Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga as president; Principal Secretary of Health, FW and AYUSH Dr J Suresh Babu and Director of Family Welfare Dr K Rajo Singh as guests of honour.
Addressing the gathering, PC Lawmkunga said that Yoga is good for health as it coordinates body and mind thus leading to healthy life.
He asserted that practice of Yoga also helps in preventing from various illness and reducing stress and tension.
He further said that people should prefer practice of yoga as a part of lifestyle and daily exercise to relax mind.
Yogi does yoga from ancient period because they knew that yoga is good for health and prevent illness, he added.
Dr J Suresh Babu said that a person can control his anger, stress and emotion by practicing yoga which has been accepted all over the world.
He stated that yoga is not related to any religion but it is an exercise, which help physically and mentally.
As part of the observation, Minister Phungzathang Tonsing flagged off the Yoga Run from IMA complex.
The Nehru Yuva Kendra Imphal East, Manipur said that it observed International Yoga Day on the theme of Yoga for Harmony and Peace on June 21 at District Head Quarter Panchayat Bhavan together with District Youth Convention and Yuva Kriti as part of the International Yoga Day.
According to a release of the Yuva Kendra, the function was attended by Adyaksha Imphal East District, P. Bimola Devi as chief guest of function, P, Loken Singh, Dr. Th. Bimol Singh, Zonal Director NYKS, Imphal East Sahib Singh as guests of honour and Jilla Parishad, Itobi Singh as president of the function.
The programme was participated by above 500 youth both male and female from different youth clubs, Mahila Mandals, local Meira Paibi Imphal East and NSS Birmangol college. Prominent resource persons gave lectures on the topic `Yoga not only develop a person`™s body but also mind as well as it is key for coordination`™, `Yoga and its importance and usefulness in treatment of ailments`™ (lecture and discussion), `Today`™s education system-areas where improvement is needed and suggestions, `Youth`™s personnel Physical and sports development-suggestions on how to develop interest among youth and benefits of yoga conflict management`™, skill development-opinion of youth that which skill is important and which type of training they wish to undertake`™, it said.
The 86 BN, CRPF also said that it observed International Day of Yoga under the presence of Commandant, Sh. Jayant Kumar at Lamphelpat.
According to a release of the CRPF, member of the unit have accepted yoga as part of their routine in life and pledged to give it a wide publicity throughout country with the help of their relatives and friends.
Yoga established as good relation between human and nature and the ancient system of holistic health inculcating physical, mental and spiritual well being. Yoga is not only an exercise but the meaning of yoga is to connect body, mind and soul together and generating Positive Energy and building a healthy, happy and peaceful society, it said. The BJP Kumbi Mandal has also observed the International Yoga Day at Kumbi Bazar mandap on June 21.
A press release of the mandal has said that former candidate of BJP, Kh. Nabakumar Singh gave the introductory speech.
Lecture and demonstration on yoga was presented by Dr. Amom Ibotombi Singh (AYUSH) as expert person. The programme was also attended by President of BJP, Kumbi Mandal, N. Mani Singh as president and Athokpam Shyamchand Singh as chief guest, it said.
The Nehru Yuva Kendra Bishnupur has also observed the International Day of Yoga at Yangoiningthou Community Hall, Bishnupur Bazar which was taken part by 250 youth and students from various schools of Bishnupur district.
A press release of the Yuva Kendra has said that a video show of the speech of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly on Yoga and Common Yoga Protocol was also shown during the programme.
During the programme, District Coordinator, L. Marjit Kumar Singh gave the keynote address and Retired CMO, Dr. Kh. Madhumangol Singh, spoke on `Modern Health Care and Yoga`™. State Coordinator, E. Anita of Art of Living Foundation, Manipur chapter along with their volunteers initiated the yoga practice during the programme. Yoga was practiced by the participants during the programme, it said.
According to a release of the Youth Affairs and Sports, the State NSS cell Manipur and NSS Units Biramangol college, Sawombung under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports `Yoga for Harmony and Peace`™ was observed on June 21 at the college.
The programme was attended by Senior Programme Officer, Thangtong Hr. Sec. School, L. Vivekananda Singh as chef guest, Senior Programme Officer Unit-I, Dr. Th. Bimol Singh as president and Programme Officer Unit-II, Dr. A. Joychandra Singh as guest of honour.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Tamubi Devi and Y. Monika Devi as resource persons and demonstrated different Yoga Asanas and its importance on human mankind.
About 400 NSS volunteers from different colleges and Higher Secondary Schools were also present. The said programme was also organised at CC Hr. Secondary School, Ramlal Paul Hr. Sec. School, Johnston Hr. Sec. School and Mangol Nganbi College, Ningthoukhong, it said.