Kathmandu : he International Day of Yoga is being observed in Nepal by organizing various programmes today. The International Day of Yoga has been marked since 21 June 2015 as per the decision of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.    

The main event organizing committee formed by the government under the chair of Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha to mark the International Day of Yoga held a special ceremony at SOS Children’s Village in Bhaktapur this morning.    

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ also addressed the event. The PM said Nepal could be the main destination for researchers and academics throughout the world who are studying the knowledge and science related to yoga. Stating that yoga is not only to do with physical exercise, the PM argued that it also is about a scientific lifestyle and living system to be adopted, remaining in certain rules.

It helps make an individual physically, mentally and spiritually strong to live a healthy life, according to the PM.  Likewise, Minister for Education Sumana Shrestha said the practice of yoga should be embraced for a healthy life. 

On the occasion, Secretary at the Ministry of Education Dipak Kafle read out a message on Yoga Day delivered by President Ramchandra Paudel. 

‘Prachanda’ has said that Nepal is a beautiful country from the nature perspective for practicing Yoga for the people around the world.

Stating that yoga is not only to do with physical exercise, but it is also about a scientific lifestyle and living system to be adopted, remaining in certain rules, procedures and process, the Prime Minister said yoga helps make an individual physically, mentally and spiritually strong, and to lead a healthy life.

“Yoga is the best way to make the body healthy and agile, and the mind pure and peaceful. A person can build strong health and become free from mental tension through regular practice of yoga. This also enhances a person’s work performance and immune power, a positive mindset, self-discipline and inner energy,” he said.

Noting that yoga has a significant role to play in the development of a tension-free calm mind and a healthy body, PM Dahal said the regular practice of yoga and meditation can make important contribution to the prevention and cure of non-communicable diseases and in rehabilitation of health.

“Nepal is a country having immense possibilities for Yoga tourism. Therefore, we should emphasize on globalization of yoga. I heartily appeal to the yoga activists and the yoga gurus to take planned initiatives towards this direction,” he added.

Reiterating that yoga is the general lifestyle and an invaluable asset of Nepal, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence that the proposed Yogmaya Ayurveda University would establish itself as a world-class university in the future.