Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 June 2024
AYUSH Unit of the Department of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, hosted a grand celebration for the 10th International Day of Yoga at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School auditorium, Marina Park, Port Blair.
The nationwide celebrations saw the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, addressing citizens from Srinagar. He led a session of yoga practice and meditation, emphasising the importance of mental and physical health for contributing to the nation’s progress.
Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of A&N Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, was the chief guest at the event. The newly elected Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, served as the guest of honour.
The event was graced by the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Chief Secretary of A&N Administration Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. T.S. Ashok Kumar, IFS, and Acting Director General of Police Ms. A. Sindhu Pillai, IPS. Senior officers of the administration, heads of departments, jawans of the India Reserve Battalion, public representatives, media personnel, and the general public participated enthusiastically in the mass yoga demonstrations.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome to the chief guest and other dignitaries, followed by the traditional lamp lighting. This year’s theme for International Day of Yoga was “Yoga for Self and Society.” Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the importance of cultivating ‘Shree Anna’ or millets as a superfood, advocating for its inclusion in daily diets to ensure a stable, stress-free, and balanced life for people in rural areas.
Skilled yoga instructors from the AYUSH Unit led a 45-minute session of Yoga Asanas and Pranayams, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere for the participants. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Labour and Employment), Special Secretary (Health), and Mission Director (National AYUSH Mission) of A&N Administration.
The 10th International Day of Yoga was also celebrated at more than 50 locations across the three districts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aiming to promote yoga and pranayam widely. In addition, an awareness camp was held at the community hall in Chouldari village, South Andaman, featuring displays of Shree Anna and millets, along with discussions on their health benefits. Over 4,000 islanders participated in these programs with great enthusiasm.
The event underscored the significance of yoga and healthy living, reflecting the collective effort to promote wellness and mindfulness throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.