The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Gujarat): In Surat, Gujarat, a grand event called the ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ was held at the Police Parade Ground in Athwalines, marking a significant lead-up to the International Day of Yoga 2024. This event took place early in the morning on May 2, 2024, starting at 7:00 AM, and attracted over 7000 yoga enthusiasts who participated enthusiastically in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). This protocol is a set sequence of yoga practices that are recommended for promoting holistic health.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, the Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush; Shri Satyajit Paul, Deputy Director General of the Ministry; Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director of the Inter-University Accelerator Centre in New Delhi and the Inter-University Centre for Yogic Sciences in Bengaluru; and Vaidya Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY). Their presence underscored the importance of yoga in enhancing individual and community well-being and its role in national development.
In his speech, Vaidya Kotecha praised Surat’s achievements, including its status as the cleanest city in India, and celebrated the widespread adoption of yoga both nationally and internationally. He reflected on the growth of the International Day of Yoga, initiated by the United Nations in 2015, which designates June 21st as a day to globally promote yoga’s benefits for both physical and mental health. This day has catalyzed the spread of yoga across diverse cultures and societies, emphasizing its universal appeal.
Kotecha also announced upcoming major events for Yoga Day, including a significant one in Bodhgaya, and highlighted the role of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in training skilled yoga practitioners who lead such initiatives.
The ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ featured a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi and other experts from MDNIY. This demonstration involved over 7000 participants who performed yoga exercises together, showcasing the unity and collective spirit of the yoga community.
The event enjoyed strong support from the Ministry of Ayush and the Gujarat Yog Board, along with participation from state government representatives and various dignitaries. This broad support highlights the governmental and societal endorsement of yoga as a means for improving public health and well-being.
Additionally, the event was part of the ‘100 Days, 100 Cities, and 100 Organizations’ campaign, which aims to promote yoga through mass yoga demonstrations and sessions in the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga 2024. This campaign involves a wide range of participants, including educational institutions, corporate bodies, and civic organizations, demonstrating the collaborative effort to integrate yoga into daily life for people across India.
This Yoga Mahotsav not only serves as a preparation for the upcoming International Day of Yoga but also reinforces the role of yoga in fostering a healthier society. It brings together people from all walks of life to share in the practice of yoga, enhancing personal health and contributing to community wellness. Events like these underscore the importance of yoga in today’s world, where it acts as a bridge between traditional Indian practices and modern health needs.