Karnataka Governor inaugrates National Yoga Olympiad-2024 in Mysore

Mysore (Karnataka) [India] June 18 (ANI): Yoga has been an integral part of India’s culture and traditions since ancient times and its significance is highlighted in the country’s scriptures and has gained global recognition, establishing India as the Guru of Yoga, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot said on Tuesday.

Governor Gehlot made these remarks at the inaugural function today of the National Yoga Olympiad-2024 jointly organized by the Union Ministry of Education, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) from June 18 to 20 at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Manasagangothri in Mysore.

“By practising yoga, we achieve physical health, mental calmness, and emotional satisfaction. Yoga is an excellent means to balance the body, mind, and emotions. As Swami Vivekananda highlighted at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Yoga introduced the world to India’s rich heritage,” he said.

Reflecting on the global recognition of Yoga, Governor Gehlot noted, “On 27 September 2014, the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, proposed the adoption of Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly, which was embraced within 90 days. Since then, International Yoga Day has been celebrated annually on June 21.”

The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for Women Empowerment.” Governor Gehlot explained, “Yoga is a holistic tool for empowering women, enhancing their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. It helps maintain harmony in our physical and mental health.”

Governor Gehlot lauded the initiative of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which started the National Yoga Olympiad in 2016, inspired by the Prime Minister’s advocacy for yoga. “This initiative aims to spark interest in yoga among children, educate them on its history and significance, and its role in personality development. The increasing participation of students each year is heartening.”

He also expressed his joy that the National Yoga Olympiad is being held for the first time in Mysore, Karnataka. Highlighting Karnataka’s achievements, he mentioned, “During the 26th National Youth Festival on January 15, 2023, a massive yoga event in Karnataka set a Guinness World Record. The state government is diligently working to make Karnataka the leading yoga literate state of India through ‘Har Ghar Yoga’.”

“Originating from the holy land of India, Yoga embodies the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam’ and ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramaya’. Globally, people have adopted yoga, leading to healthier, happier, and longer lives. I have personally experienced the positive effects of yoga and pranayama. I urge everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily lives and to encourage others to do the same,” he said.

The event was attended by Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT, Prof Y Srikanth, Principal and other dignitaries.