Three-day yoga camp precursor of World Yoga Day celebrations in Chandigarh: Khattar

Baba Ramdev said more than 10,000 activists are working in Haryana for the June 21 function

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday said the three-day yoga camp here was precursor of the World Yoga Day celebrations to be held in Chandigarh on June 21.

Khattar, who had visited the yoga camp, told reporters, "Over thousands of people performed yoga at the camp and drew inspiration. They would also participate in the June 21 celebrations."

"People from various districts, especially from Panchkula and Ambala, are participating in the camp. Besides, around 5,000 yoga practitioners will be joining from Patanjali Yogpeeth," the chief minister added.

"On June 21, it will be a function of around 31,000 yoga practitioners, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also participate. It is a matter of pride for Haryana and Punjab that we are hosting this event," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, yoga guru Baba Ramdev said more than 10,000 activists are working in Haryana and over one lakh activists of Patanjali Yogpeeth are working across the nation for the June 21 function. Over one lakh people are participating in the function, which is taking place from 17-21 June, including at Faridabad. A big platform has been created for yoga across the nation and 5-10 crore people will participate in the function across the country. It's a matter of pride."

As far as standardisation of yoga is concerned, he said, in the absence of standard practice there could be wrong impression among people about yoga and things could go in the wrong direction as well.

"Hence, for the first time, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Quality Council of India (QCI) is working for the standardisation of yoga. From the US to the European Nations and also in China, Japan and Russia, some people were trying to perform yoga differently.

As the root of yoga is India, thus India should make a head start in this direction. Hence, the Prime Minister has given responsibility to QCI for the standardisation of yoga."

He further said, "Two-three meetings have already been conducted and the syllabus has been finalised. Yoga has three parts, yogic philosophy, physical practice like aasnas, mudra, pranayam, meditation etc, and yogic aacharan (behaviour), and taking together all these three elements, the QCI has about to finish the standardisation work."

"Besides this, certification work is also about to be completed and people practising yoga should take certificates for its universal application.

When asked if huge money is being spent on the function, Ramdev said, "Spending money on yoga is good use of money."