PANAJI
Goa joined the country in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday, with events held across the State. One of the main programmes took place at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, where Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, students, teachers, government staff and yoga practitioners took part.
Sawant said yoga helps improve mental balance, discipline and overall well-being. He urged people to include it in their daily routine and highlighted the government’s efforts to promote yoga and Ayurveda in public healthcare.
Naik said yoga is a mass movement that builds strength, resilience, fitness and peace.
The event also saw the release of the Common Yoga Protocol booklet. Participants performed various asanas, while school students demonstrated traditional yoga postures.
In South Goa, a lively session was held at Colva beach, organised by the district administration, the Central Bureau of Communication and the district police. South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus urged citizens to make yoga a part of their lifestyle. Trained instructors guided the sessions, while police personnel formed a human chain carrying messages on wellness.
However, the celebrations were also marked by controversy over the government’s directive making participation compulsory for students and teachers. Several organisations and educators said yoga should remain voluntary, adding a note of debate to an otherwise peaceful and health-focused day.
