On Friday, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu urged that yoga be made a compulsory part of the school curriculum. He said so because of the fast-paced and changing lifestyle of the modern society and the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases.
He was present at a special event organized by the Ministry of Ayush and Brahma Kumaris at the iconic Red Fort to mark the celebration of International Day of Yoga.
"At a time when people are encountering tremendous pressures in daily lives, there is a great need to introduce the subtle science of yoga, which everyone can use not just to achieve physical well-being, but also to lead a better life by making enlightened choices," he said.
"Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India possibly around the fifth century. We need to propagate and preserve this holistic practice by making it a part of the school curriculum as it not only ensures physical fitness and mental equilibrium but also inculcates discipline," he said.
"The time has come that we must go back to the old ways of living. These lifestyle changes are damaging our younger generation. There's no physical activity, no spiritual activity. We are all craving for prosperity and temporary pleasure," he said.
Mr. Naidu also appeared to the people to understand that it is not a program of government or PM Narendra Modi.
"We should all see that it becomes a people's movement. Modi took initiative and propagated yoga across the world. But, we need to understand that yoga is for body and not because of Modi," he said.
Mr. Naidu appeared for the program in a simple white t-shirt with a monogram of the Ayush Ministry, pajamas and slippers and performed some light exercises.
He also appealed to the participants not to get carried away by western food practices.
"We all have a fascination with western food. Some people call it instant food. I would like to caution... instant food means constant disease. Our forefathers gave us good food practices according to seasons and regions. We must get back to our old food habits and not get carried away by burgers or pizzas. Unfortunately, our children are getting swayed away by propaganda and branding by some icons," he said.
Tags: Yoga In School Curriculum
Importance Of Yoga In Daily Life
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu
International Yoga Day
Ayush Ministry
