International Yoga Day celebrated in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Yoga displays and programmes by political parties and religious and cultural outfits Tuesday marked the second International Yoga Day celebrations in CPI(M)-led LDF-ruled Kerala.

The state-level observance of Yoga Day was inaugurated by state Health and Social Justice Minister K K Shailaja at the Central Stadium here.

Various government and private institutions, hospitals and NGOs also organised different programmes to commemorate the occasion across the state.

Union Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar was the chief guest at the BJP's state-level programme held at an auditorium in nearby Kaimanom this morning.

After taking part in the Yoga session, the minister also witnessed a yoga display by children.

Addressing the gathering, he said the Yoga was not 'religious specific' or 'caste specific' and it was for humanity.

The Minister also said interest for Yoga was growing around the world due to the observance of the International Yoga Day since last year.

"It is the second year of the International Yoga Day observance and it has already become a public movement all around the world. This is not religious specific or caste specific. It is for all humanity. That is why the world has adopted it," Javadekar said.

Along with the physical fitness, harmony and peace were also core objectives of Yoga, he said, urging Congress and Communist party activists in the state also to practice yoga.

A large number of dignitaries, including BJP state President Kummanom Rajasekharan, veteran party leader and the lone BJP MLA in the state assembly O Rajagopal and film director Rajasenan were among those who attended the event.

At the state-level event, Shailaja pressed for ensuring secularism in the yoga practice and said yoga does not belong to any religion.

Around 100 people including doctors, para medical staff and medical students took part in the Yoga Day celebrations at the Government Medical College here.

CPI(M) will organise a mass yoga display event, under the aegis of the party-supported Indian Martial Arts Academy in Kollam district in the evening.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event, in which leaders from various walks of life including social, religious and cultural outfits and sports personalities are expected to participate.