UGC wants all universities to celebrate Yoga day

Kolhapur, Maharashtra: The University Grants Commission has now asked all the varsities and colleges under its jurisdiction to celebrate June 21 as Yoga day.

UGC secretary Jaspal Sandhu issued an official letter on April 17, stating that the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly had adopted a resolution to observe June 21 as International Yoga day, every year.

The letter directed the universities and colleges to observe Yoga day. It advised that promotional films and other information and communication on Yoga be distributed on the day.

"The idea to declare International day of Yoga was formally proposed at the United Nations by the Prime Minister of India, in his maiden address to UNGA.

The government of India has decided to give practical effect to the resolution by ensuring that the first International Day of Yoga is commemorated in a befitting manner on June 21," the letter stated.

A university official said that the initiative is a must and will be a great success. "Students in educational institutes celebrate Valentine's Day, friendship day, teachers' day and various other events but our heritage remains unknown to them.

Celebrating International Yoga day might enlighten them of the true heritage of our country and will also benefit in stressing the importance of yoga among the youths," the official said.