Port Blair, June 21: On the occasion of 10th International Day of Yoga, 2024, the AYUSH Unit of the Department of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration organized a grand main function in the auditorium of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Marina Park, Port Blair here this morning.
As part of the countrywide celebrations, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the citizens from Srinagar and led the yoga practice & meditation and inspired them so that, everyone remains mentally and physically healthy and can make their valuable contribution in the upliftment of the country.
Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency was present as the chief guest. The newly elected Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray was the guest of honour.
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. T.S. Ashok Kumar, IFS, Director General of Police (i/c.) Smt. A. Sindhu Pillai, IPS alongwith other Senior Officers of the Administration, Head of Departments, Jawans of the India Reserve Battalion, public representatives, media personnel and the public participated enthusiastically in the mass yoga demonstrations.
The program started with welcome of the chief guest and other eminent dignitaries and the ceremony was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp.
The theme for the 10th International Day of Yoga, 2024 has been- "Yoga for Self and Society". The Hon'ble Prime Minister has called for the cultivation of ‘Shree Anna’ or millets as super food and its optimal use in daily consumption so that the life of people in the rural environment can be stable, stress-free and balanced.
Further during the program, the skilled Yoga Instructors of the Ayush Unit of the Health Department conducted practice of Yoga Asanas and Pranayams for about 45 minutes in a melodious and relaxing environment in front of the august gathering under the Common Yoga Protocol.
The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Labour and Employment), Special Secretary (Health) and Mission Director (National Ayush Mission) of A & N Administration.
It is worth mentioning that the 10th International Yoga Day was successfully organized at more than 50 different locations in the three districts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands so that, a revolution could be brought in the promotion of yoga and pranayam.
Apart from this, an awareness camp was organized in the community hall located at Chouldari village of South Andaman with the display of Shree Anna and Millets and discourse on their importance for maintaining Health and Well being. More than 4000 islanders participated enthusiastically in all these programs.