International Yoga Day observed across north-eastern states

[caption id="attachment_256074" align="aligncenter" width="600"] N biren Singh performing yoga during the 5th International Yoga Day in Manipuron Friday.[/caption] Our Correspondent Imphal, June 21 (EMN): The 5th International Yoga Day was observed across north-eastern states on Friday with great enthusiasm. In Manipur, the state-level observation was held at the Indoor stadium of Khuman Lampak sports complex in Imphal. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with ministers, MLAs, chief secretary and DGP Manipur led more than a thousand officials and commoners practiced yoga exercises Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the true essence of yoga is to strengthen one’s mind and body, preserve the nature and to build compassion and kindness for others. Health Minister Jayantakumar said that good health and well being of every citizen is the priority of the present government. He added that yoga is such a practice to strengthen one’s body, mind and soul to have good health. Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla and staff of Raj Bhavan Imphal also observed the day by practicing yoga at the Durbar hall. Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand and Minister Th Biswajit Singh led participants at Lamboikhongnangkhong near Imphal. Troops of Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) in Manipur also observed the day at many battalions and their company operating bases. Likewise, institutions across the state also observed the day at their respective areas. Meanwhile, in Assam, state Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, his Cabinet colleagues and a large number of people observed the day at Sarusojai stadium in Guwahati. According to IANS, several Naga sadhus as well as other devotees also performed yoga at the ancient Kamakhya temple at an event organised to mark the Yoga Day celebrations. Thousands of people from across the country and abroad have converged at the Kamakhya temple for the annual Ambubachi festival, which starts on Saturday. The temple doors remain shut during the three-day festival, which marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya. Farmer also stop work during these three days when Mother Earth is believed to be "impure". [caption id="attachment_256075" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal performs yoga during the 5th International Day of Yoga, in Guwahati on Friday.[/caption] At the end of the three days, the temple doors reopen after a ritual bath by the goddess. In Tripura, thousands of people, men and women, young and old, VIPS, security personnel and commoners practised yoga on the occasion. The main function in the state was held in Umakanta Mini Stadium.  Prominent among those who performed yoga 'asanas' were Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Monoj Kanti Deb. Chief Minister Deb said Prime Minister Narendra Modi made yoga a revolution not only among Indians but also people of other countries. "Today, Yoga Day was observed from Gram Panchayat level to state level including in all educational institutions," said Deb who also performs various physical exercises daily. "The Union government had urged the people to make yoga a part of life for a healthy lifestyle. My government also asking people specially the students and youths to perform yoga for their individual wellbeing," the chief minister said. Troopers and senior officials of Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles and other senior officials also performed yoga in the main function and elsewhere in the state. Hundreds of people, including ministers and officials stretched their bodies at a public event in Sikkim. At a Mass Yoga demonstration at Paljor stadium, several ministers Sonam Lama, Lok Nath Sharma, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Karma Loday Bhutia, Samdup Lepcha and Sanjit Kharel, members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, chief secretary AK Shrivastava and other officials joined the people in participating in various physical exercises. Yoga enthusiasts from Sikkim Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, SSB, Students from peripheral schools, National Cadet Corps and various civil societies also attended in the Yoga Demonstration camp. Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the yoga demonstration camp.

Low-key yoga day celebrations in Mizoram

Aizawl, June 21 (IANS): When seven north-eastern states observed the 5^th International Yoga Day in an impressive manner on Friday, celebrations were low-key in Mizoram. Mizoram's two powerful NGOs, including the Young Mizo Association, have separately alleged that the Centre was forcibly imposing the traditional practice on the state's people. "We would continue to oppose if the Central government forcibly and unilaterally imposes the practice of yoga on the people of the state," said a leader of one of the NGOs who did not want to be named. However, the two paramilitary forces -- Assam Rifles, Border Security Force -- and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya schools marked the day in the state. The main programme was held at the Assam Rifles ground in Aizawl, wherein thousands of people participated in yoga sessions. The Field Outreach Bureau of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry marked the day in collaboration with the Kendriya Vidyalayas. The main highlights of the programme were a public rally and a yoga quiz competition.