ITANAGAR, Jun 21: Like the earlier years, Arunachal Pradesh today observed the International Day of Yoga (IDY) along with the rest of the nation and world with remarkable spirit despite the strong presence of Covid pandemic. Due to Covid protocols, the celebrations by and large were conducted through virtual mode.
The IDY 2021 which also was the 7th edition having the theme ‘Yoga for well-being’ was observed at the lawns of Raj Bhavan with Governor Brig. (Dr.) B. D. Mishra (Retd.) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu participating in a yoga session organized by the state’s Department of Youth Affairs. Extending his good wishes to the people of the state on the occasion, the Governor termed Yoga as a precious health gift from the ancient Indian seers to mankind which has always helped people in overcoming mental and physical challenges. Due to Covid pandemic, yoga has become more relevant, he added while appealing to the state’s people to make the ancient art of wellbeing a part of their lifestyle and defeat COVID-19 through Covid appropriate behaviour and protocols. On the occasion, the Governor presented a sapling to the Chief Minister as a goodwill gesture.
Conveying his IDY greetings to the people, Khandu reiterated the role of Yoga in enhancing health and its relevance in neutralizing the ill effects of coronavirus. Both the Governor and CM conveyed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for playing a stellar role in making the IDY a global event.  
Department of Health & Family Welfare, GoAP observed the day through virtual and electronic platforms with appeals and messages like “Be with Yoga, Be at Home” and # Arunachal with Yoga #. The awareness and guidelines for observing the IDY were disseminated through All India Radio, Doordarshan channels, FM radio, Facebook, WhatsApp etc. keeping in mind the Covid restrictions.
Health Minister Alo Libang while elaborating on the positive effects of Yoga on disease prevention, health promotion and management of various lifestyle-related disorders, thanked the state’s people for actively participating in the 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) drill at 7.00 am in the morning from their homes and making the  7th IDY a grand success.   
The denizens of Itanagar Capital Region participated in the 45-minute long Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) drill at 7 am from their homes to observe the day. Residents of several wards along with their corporators also participated in the yoga session while maintaining COVID Appropriate Behaviour.
Meanwhile, coinciding with the International Yoga Day, a free vaccination camp was organized today in the state capital by the State Council for IT & E-Governance, Dept. of IT & Communication in association with the State Health Department in which 40 individuals above the age of 18 years were vaccinated. Inaugurating the vaccination camp, Chairman, State Council for IT & E-Governance Doni Nich appealed all to avail the free vaccines provided by the state government.
The International Yoga Day was celebrated by the Department of Art and Culture, GoAP at Siddhartha Hall in the capital as per the directive and sponsorship of NEZCC Dimapur, Union Ministry of Culture.
Secretary, Cultural Affairs Remo Kamki and Director of Art and Culture Tamuna Messar were among others who participated. Assistant Professor DNGC R. Shindhik dwelt briefly on the importance of International Yoga Day. Certificates were handed over to the participants after the Yoga session and coverage of the entire proceedings was made by DDK Itanagar.
Rajiv Gandhi University observed the  IDY at the University Convention Centre in a blended mode participated by the faculty members, non-teaching staff, students, NSS volunteers and NCC cadets.
VC Professor Saket Kushwaha, First Lady of RGU Dr. Vaishali Kushwaha, Registrar Dr. N. T. Rikam and Director, Internal Quality Assurance Professor R.C. Parida attended the event in physical mode. Meanwhile, Pro VC Professor Amitava Mitra, NSS volunteers and NCC Cadets joined the event in virtual mode. The programme  started with floral tribute at the Wall of Heroes followed by a Common Yoga Protocol. The programme was organized by the Department of Physical Education in collaboration with NSS Cell and NCC unit of RGU.
Vivekananada Kendra Kanyakumari, Arunachal Prant observed the IDY in various parts of the state through Google meet.
A total of 514 families and 54 karyakartas participated through the virtual platform from their homes in the hour-long Yoga programme organised in nine places namely Itanagar, Tawang, Deomali, Khonsa, Pasighat, Aalo, Seppa, Tezu and Wakro. The respective Resource Persons while conducting the asanas urged the participants to inculcate the habit of practicing Yoga daily. In its press release, VKK informed that they were invited for Yoga instructions to mark the 7th IDY by the Departments of Youth Affairs & Sports, Art & Culture, ADC Dumporijo, NCC team of GHS School Aalo, NSS team of WRG College Deomali etc. A special live lecture session on ‘Yoga and Traditional Life’ by Vice President, VK Kanyakumari Padmashree Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide will be telecast on Tuesday at 5:30 pm on YouTube. 
In West Kameng district headquarters Bomdila, IDY was celebrated with fervour at Gaden Rabgye-Ling Monastery (GRLM) which was jointly organized by the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) and GRL Monastery under the aegis of the Union Ministries of Culture and Tourism.
Commander, Artillery Brigade, 5 Mtn. Division Brigadier Sanjeev Jatta, Superintendent of Police, West Kameng B. Reddy and Guinness world record holder and 5 times Mt. Everest conqueror Padmashree Dr. Anshu Jamsenpa  were present on the occasion. Abbot, GRL Monastery Geshe Dhondup Tsering spoke about the importance of Yoga in the context of the prevailing Covid situation, followed by a 45-minute long Yoga session.
12 NDRF celebrated the 7th IDY at its campus and coy location in Doimukh.
Commandant, 12 NDRF Rajesh Thakur along with around 421 officers and officials participated in the Yoga session. PRO Raj Bhavan, PRs from VKK, NDRF, RGU, DIPRO 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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