Shillong, June 21: The Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India in collaboration with Govt. of Meghalaya today observed the 8th International Day of Yoga 2022 with the theme “Yoga for Humanity”, at the Convocation Hall, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong.

John Barla , Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs graced the occasion as Chief Guest and James P.K. Sangma, Health & Family Welfare Minister as Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Union MoS for Minority Affairs, John Barla said that this year’s celebration holds significance as the country is also celebrating its 75th year of Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav). Stating that the practice of Yoga should not be confined just for today’s celebration, the Union MoS urged the gathering to make Yoga a part and parcel of their daily routine and to spread the message to each and every household in order to achieve the goal of a fit and healthy India.

Meghalaya Health & Family Welfare Minister, James P. K, Sangma expressed his deep sense of gratitude and honour to be a part of this year’s celebration and said that it is a matter of pride being an Indian as the practice of Yoga originated in India. In today’s world where people tend to ignore their mental and physical health, Yoga holds prominence in addressing the various health issues that plague our society, he said.

During the programme the Prime Minister of India addressed the nation virtually from Mysuru, Karnataka. As part of the programme the common yoga exercise was led by a team of North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong. The exercise saw the participation of about 800 individuals comprising of students of NEIAH, Shillong Polytechnic and Defence Personnel among others.