TN Guv joins Yoga Day programme; Stalin points to its benefits

Chennai, June 21: Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah participated in the second International Yoga Day celebrations here today, describing the ancient Indian exercise form as a symbol of the nation's "rich cultural heritage".

Rosaiah led participants in the yoga programme conducted at the Raj Bhavan by Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University's Department of Yoga Head, Professor R Elangovan and Assistant Professor V Duraisami.

Amnog others, the Government Stanley Hospital here and several educational institutions celebrated the International Yoga Day across the state.

DMK leader M K Stalin pitched for promoting yoga, highlighting its benefits in a post in his Facebook page. "The Governor said that Yoga is a symbol of our nation's rich cultural heritage," a Raj Bhavan release said.

The initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "made the richness of yoga reach the nations across the globe with United Nations General Assembly declaring 21st June as the International Yoga Day," the release quoted him as having said.

Just like praying, sitting and dining together, "we should develop the culture of practising yoga together at home," the Governor said and appealed to make practice of yoga as a daily routine to harmonise life.

Stalin, DMK Treasurer and Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, posted a picture of himself doing an asana, and said Yoga "provides health for both body and soul, is common for all beyond religion, language and race."

He said he had been practising Yoga for a long time, saying it helped him pursue active public service without any stress.

Stalin said the younger generation was facing "immense pressure" and urged the government to provide mental health and physical strength to them.

"They face immense pressures, especially while pursuing education. To mitigate this, the government should impart Yoga lessons in all schools and colleges. The younger generation's bodies and minds should be well nurtured through this simple practice," he said.

PTI