Yoga leads to state of mental strength and good health: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

SIVSAGAR: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today took part in a Yoga Utsav at the premises of the historic Ahom-era Shiva Doul here, held in connection with the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme and the upcoming International Yoga Day scheduled on June 21.

Addressing those present at the event, the Chief Minister said: "Yoga is an inseparable part of Sanatan civilization and culture. Yoga's role in helping build a beautiful and healthy lifestyle coupled with the inner peace has turned out to be boon for the world community. Yoga isn't just about exercise and practice… it (yoga) is a road that leads to a state of mental strength and good health. That's the reason behind the world today realizing the importance of yoga as a fruit of the 5,000-year-old Indian civilization and culture."

Praising Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for holding this event at the historic Sivasagar town and for taking numerous steps for popularization of yoga, the Chief Minister stated that these measures would go a long way in further cementing the importance of this ancient practice in the lives of the people. The Chief Minister further added that ever since taking over charge as the executive head of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken several praiseworthy steps for spread of yoga in the world stage. "On the appeal from the Prime Minister, the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014 declared that June 21 henceforth will be observed as the International Day of Yoga. This, apart from bringing legitimacy and approval to Indian civilization and culture at the international stage, can be considered a very important step forward towards India becoming a world leader in days to come…"

Sarma also said that the great 15th century saint Srimanta Sankadev was also a witness to the importance and greatness of yoga and was an ardent practitioner. "The kind of valour, strength and talent that was displayed by Mahapurush Sankardev was not possible for a layman to display… Only a yogi could have displayed those qualities. We also observe postures and gestures of yoga in ankiya naat, bhaonas and xattriya dances. The younger generation should adopt the philosophy of Mahapurush Sankardev and adopt the culture of hard work and dedication along with good health," Chief Minister Sarma added.

The Chief Minister, speaking on the role certain food play, as mentioned in yogic, ayurvedic literatures, in strengthening the body's defence mechanism against certain illnesses and diseases, said that the world community of late has begun to realize the truth behind those claims. He stated that without a physically and mentally strong younger generation, the country would not be able to reach its rightful position on the world stage. He urged all to work towards physical and mental growth of the newer generations. The Chief Minister also urged the younger generations to inculcate yoga into their lifestyle for overall physical and intellectual growth.

Today's event was also addressed by Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for AYUSH Dr. Mahendra Munjpara, State Health Minister Keshab Mahanta and Special Secretary in the Ministry of AYUSH Pramod Kumar Pathak.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has got the necessary platform which has helped build the brand India image. As thousands of people from all the north-eastern States came together at this pious land in the beautiful town Sivasagar to perform yoga, it reinforces our sustained effort to put the iconic heritage sites of Assam in the tourism map of the world through this event today. It gives me immense delight that thousands of people joined us today in this event as we tried to highlight the importance of Yoga in enriching our health and mind as well as celebrating our socio-cultural heritage by highlighting beautiful Ahom era architecture. The idea behind the Utsav is to encourage people to take up Yoga, a wonderful gift of our thousands of years of civilization, so that they can enrich their quality of life."

Also Read:   Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal takes stock of preparation for International Yoga Day

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