PANAJI
The Goa government has made participation in the International Day of Yoga celebrations compulsory for government employees, teachers, and students as the State prepares to attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous yoga event.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing a press conference at Mantralaya on Tuesday, said more than 1,000 venues have been earmarked across Goa for the June 21 event, where physical participation will be recorded and linked to the world record attempt.
“Last year, we had more than 1,000 venues for people to participate in yoga sessions. This year too it is the same. All government servants, teachers, and students are mandatorily required to attend. The attendance certificate will be generated and attendees will have to submit it to their respective Heads of Departments,” Sawant said.
He further said that participants need not report to their institutions on a Sunday and can instead participate at any designated venue nearest to them.
The government is targeting the participation of around two lakh people. Sawant explained the initiative was not merely for setting a record but also for encouraging people to adopt yoga as a regular practice.
“Taking part for one day will also generate interest among people to continue yoga thereafter. The advantage is a healthy life by following yoga,” he said.
The yoga session will be held from 6 am to 8 am with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address the nation at 6.30 am as part of the nationwide observance of International Day of Yoga.
Sawant also appealed to temple and Devasthan committees, church bodies and local self-government institutions to mobilise participation.
“I urge everyone, irrespective of political affiliation or background, to participate in this initiative and make International Yoga Day a grand success,” he added.
The final participation count for the record attempt is expected to be announced at 12.30 pm on the day of the event.
