Odisha: State celebrates int’l yoga day with fervour

BHUBANESWAR: From beaches to parks, iconic places to temple premises, mass yoga sessions were held across the state to mark 8th International Day for Yoga on Tuesday.
Thousands of people showed enthusiasm and zeal and participated in yoga day celebrations alongside politicians and celebrities.
Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who did yoga on the premises of the Sun Temple at Konark with thousands of yoga enthusiasts on Tuesday, said, “India could take its culture to the whole world in the form of yoga. I am feeling excited to be present at this iconic monument. The railways will conduct a survey to connect Konark.”
Union minister Mahendra Pandey, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra and Puri MLA Jayanta Sarangi took part in a yoga session held at Blue Flag beach in Puri.
Union minister Biswesar Tudu performed yoga on the premises of Khiching temple in Mayurbhanj district with thousands of enthusiasts, while Odisha governor Ganeshi Lal performed yoga at Raj Bhawan with his staff.
“Covid has proved the importance of yoga in society. Yoga should be an integral part of our lives,” said AIIMS Bhubaneswar director, Prof Mukesh Tripathi. Senior doctors, nursing staff, medical students and employees of AIIMS Bhubaneswar also participated in the yoga event.
Sand sculptor Sudarsan Patnaik created a majestic seven-foot sand sculpture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi doing yoga on the beach in Puri.
Thousands of students, teachers, and staff of KIIT and KISS carried out basic yoga postures in an hour-long session. Students of all universities including Siksha o Anusandhan, Utkal University and others organised mass yoga sessions on their campuses.
Schools and colleges across the state also participated in yoga day celebrations. Industrial houses like Nalco, Tata Steel, Vedanta Aluminium and others also observed the day with enthusiasm.