In a step to promote yoga, Haryana’s Health and AYUSH Minister, Anil Vij, said that the approval for inclusion of yoga in sports competitions has been given. While presiding over the meeting of the Haryana Yoga Council, the minister said that to ensure the inclusion of yoga, the council should emphasise on making of the policy for its events and future action plans so that Haryana can be developed as a model state for yoga.
He said that it is also being considered to include yoga in the education curriculum and to establish a world-class meditation centre in the state. He further directed the Urban Local Bodies Department to give priority to the construction of “Yogshalas” in all cities so that every citizen of the state can be benefitted from it.
Vij said that 594 yoga and vyayamshalas have been set up in the state. He further added that changing the name of Haryana Yoga Council to Haryana Yoga Commission is also being considered. Furthermore, it is also being considered to include a performance of Surya Namaskar posture in all government programmes to be held on 26 January and 15 August. Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Rajeev Arora said that the Yoga Council should finalise the schedule for each month to ensure widespread publicity.
He said that while adhering to the directions of the Health Minister he will ensure that yoga reaches maximum people. Besides, complete records of all the yoga classes of the state will be also maintained, he added.
The Chairman of the Yoga Council, Dr Jaideep Arya said that yoga is beneficial for health as it not only cures diseases but also protects from falling sick. Elaborating on the activities conducted he said that the council had organised international webinars in last few days and yoga asanas were conducted on 26 January in which several people and students participated.