Nagpur: Even before the clock struck 6 on Wednesday morning, a large number of citizens across all ages stepped out of their homes to commemorate the International Yoga Day. Individual and collaborative events were held by colleges, cultural organizations, the police, the railways, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, and so on.
Union minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, attended the programme conducted by the NMC at Yashwant stadium, where he was felicitated by mayor Nanda Jichkar. MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh also attended the programme, along with MPs, MLCs, corporators and other government officials. The event started at 6am and lasted for about an hour-and-a-half. The stadium was filled to its capacity by members of various organizations such as Janardan Swami Yogabhyasi Mandal, Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vidyalaya, The Art of Living, Gayatri Parivar, Maitree Sanstha, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Sahyog Dhyan Kendra, Isha Foundation and other organizations. All of the participants donned a saffron scarf around their neck. The asanas were conducted by Rahul Kanitkar of Janardan Swami Yogabhyasi Mandal.
Gadkari also inaugurated the programme at Reshimbagh ground, conducted by Nagpur Patanjali Yoga Samiti in association with Ayush ministry's city representative Jaydurga Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha and other organizations. The event drew over 1,000 people, who wore yellow scarves and performed asanas under the guidance of Pradip Katekar and Priti Kewalramani.
"The 20 asanas, listed under the protocol of government of India, were performed on the occasion. Gadkari also addressed the participants, who had gathered there from all over the city. Nagpur University vice-chancellor SP Kane, Justice VS Sirpurkar, MPs, corporators, Colonel Sunil Deshpande, Dr Uday Bodhankar and other dignitaries also graced the programme.
Courtesy: The Times of India
