International Yoga Day (IYD) is observed every year on the 21st of June in many countries, including India. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, celebrated the 10th International Yoga Day on 21st June 2024 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The theme for this year's IYD was ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.
Dr. G.R. Smitha, Chairperson of the Sports Committee, welcomed the guests and participants and provided an overview of the genesis of IYD, its significance, and its development over the years. The Chief Guest, Mrs. Chethana Prasad, a yoga practitioner, explained that yoga which is originated in India is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines originating in ancient India. Yoga is a union of mind and body that aims to control and still the mind.
Mrs. Prasad then demonstrated the International Yoga Day protocols, which the participants followed. She also explained the benefits of each asana and guided methods of doing, the do's and don'ts for each posture. She also demonstrated few simple asanas which can be done anywhere with a chair.
Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director of ICAR-IIHR, expressed his happiness with the well-organized program. He emphasized the importance of incorporating yoga into daily routines to keep the mind and body calm and energetic and to manage daily stress. He urged the staff to practice yoga regularly to maintain health and improve productivity.
More than 120 participants, including scientists, staff, and students from ICAR-IIHR, attended the event and benefited from the program. The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. M.C. Keerthi, a Member of the Sports Committee, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.
