Khanapara(Meghalaya), June 21 : Along with the country and many parts of the world, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) also celebrated the ninth International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm on its campus today. Hundreds of students, faculty members, officials, and staff took part in the event aimed at promoting good health with sound mind. The event was organized jointly by the Department of Physiotherapy and the Yoga Centre USTM.
The theme chosen for this year’s International Day of Yoga 2023 “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” beautifully encapsulates our collective aspiration for “one earth, one family, one future”.
Professor GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM inaugurated the ceremony this morning by lighting a ceremonial lamp after which everyone performed various asanas as guided by the Yoga instructor Ms Pallabi Bhuyan. Apart from students, other delegates present on the occasion were Dr RK Sarma, Advisor, USTM, Dr. Aswini Sarma – Secretary-General of UNESCO Association Guwahati, Dr Ashwin K Mahanta, Director Sports USTM, Dr Pooja Chaudhari HOD, Department of Physiotherapy.
The programme began with a lecture on the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” by Prof GD Sharma. He said, “Yoga is a way of life that aims towards a healthy mind in a healthy body. The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling an individual’s mind, body, and soul.” After this, the two Yoga instructors demonstrated Common Yoga Protocol before the participants who followed the same.
Speaking in this context, Priyanka Baishya, Yoga Mentor at USTM said, “Apart from the health benefits, we need to promote yoga as a profession since the demand for yoga teachers and mentors is increasing both in the country and abroad.” She also said that USTM is going to start B.Sc. Yoga and various short-term Diploma and Certificate courses under its Yoga program.
The main goal of the International Day of Yoga is to spread the word about yoga as a holistic way to improve mental and physical health. This observance has a significant impact on highlighting the significance of mental and physical health in the modern world. In addition, the day encourages regular meditation practice to cultivate mental clarity and self-awareness, which are necessary for success in a stress-free environment.
The overall goal of International Yoga Day is to make people more aware of the many benefits of yoga.
