Tripura prepares for International Day of Yoga, persons with disability to join it

Northeast Indian state of Tripura will join the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Yoga on June 21.

Apart from students of general schools, students of special schools for physically challenged in Agartala are practising yoga. 

The lone Communist-ruled Indian state is preparing for the gala event to be celebrated as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to highlight yoga as India's signature cultural export.

Students of the state government-run Institute for Visually Handicapped at Narshinghar in west Tripura said yoga was introduced in their school a few months ago and they were getting its benefit.

“We have been practising yoga since January and it keeps our mind, body and soul in good health,” Papiya Saha, a student, said on Wednesday.

“We tell everyone to do yoga as it keeps one mentally and physically fit.”

Another student of the institute said they were eagerly waiting to join the celebrations.

Chumki Biswas another student of class nine said: “All students in our school do yoga as it keeps both our mind and body well. All of us will take part in the yoga camp to be held on the 21st (June).”

The United Nations has declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga to be celebrated worldwide.

Ranjan Paul, a yoga trainer, said people of India should feel proud of the fact that yoga, which is a part of India’s rich cultural heritage, had been recognised throughout the globe as an effective way of keeping people healthy.

Tripura’s Minority, Youths Affairs and Sports Minister Sahid Chowdhury announced the state Youth Affairs, Sports and Health department (AYUSH) will celebrate the day.

According to Chowdhury, yoga has got nothing to do with one's religion and is a physical exercise which is very helpful in keeping one fit and hence, the state government is trying to popularise it.

He said the programme will be held centrally in capital’s Rabindra Centenary Hall.

The chief minister and health minister will be invited to the programme.

The yoga day will also be celebrated in all district, sub-divisions and block headquarters.