Bhubaneswar:
International Yoga Day was observed with enthusiasm across Odisha on Friday.
Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, who attended a programme organised on the occasion at Janata Maidan in the state capital, said Yoga can not only unite people but can also protect our ecology which is in danger.
Following the initiative of India, all the nations across world are now getting attracted towards Yoga as it helps in resolving disputes and establishing peace and harmony, Lal said.
Yoga can play a significant role in promoting peace, harmony and brotherhood in the world besides bringing prosperity, growth and good health, he said.
A large number of participants including students, intellectuals, politicians, government employees, NCC cadets and general public attended the Yoga Day celebrations at Janata Maidan and other places here.
BJP national Vice President Baijayant Panda said yoga is an important part of Indian culture and now the entire world has adopted it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a significant role in popularising yoga internationally, he said.
The national health policy should also focus on preventive health measures such as yoga, Panda said.
In another programme here, Puri Maharaj Gajapati Dibyasingha attended a yoga event where people from different spheres of society assembled for the session.
Describing yoga as an ancient form of exercise that originated in India, Dibyasingha Deb said it is becoming popular all over as it gives the much-needed peace and relief to mind and body.
The Day was also observed with enthusiasm by the Border Security Force (BSF) which conducted a series of yoga sessions in Koraput.
In the seaside pilgrim town of Puri, internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a beautiful sand sculpture with the theme “Surya Namaskar”. Pattnaik said he used around seven tonnes of sand to create the sand art.
A number of yoga camps were organised throughout the state where people belonging to different sections of society, including school students, leaders and distinguished personalities took part in the yoga sessions.
The day was also observed in educational institutions and industrial units in the state.
