The International Yoga Day was celebrated in Shivamogga and Hassan districts on Sunday, involving public representatives, government officials and students.

In Shivamogga, the district-level programme was held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium under the joint aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, the State government, district administration and other departments. Inaugurating the event, MLA S.N. Channabasappa described yoga as India’s gift to the world and said the country has always worked towards promoting peace and well-being globally. He also announced plans to organise a national-level yoga competition in Shivamogga before next year’s celebrations.

MLC D.S. Arun said yoga, now practised in over 190 countries, helps maintain balance between body, mind and soul. Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek V. termed yoga an invaluable contribution of India to the world and stressed the need to introduce regular yoga practice in schools.

Students of Bapuji Ayurvedic Medical College presented a yoga dance, and winners of competitions organised as part of Yoga Day were felicitated.

Hassan

In Hassan, the celebrations were organised at the hockey ground of the District Sports Stadium. Hassan MP Shreyas M. Patel said yoga plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health and urged people to dedicate at least an hour daily to yoga and meditation.

MLA Swaroop Prakash stressed that good health is more valuable than wealth and called upon people to adopt yoga as a part of their daily routine. Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari highlighted the role of yoga in ensuring healthy ageing and preventing lifestyle diseases.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Shubham Shukla and others participated in the event.