CPI(M) holds mass yoga session on IYD in Kerala

A mass display of yoga, organised by a CPI(M)-supported outfit, and state-wide programmes by BJP besides yoga sessions and commemorative events marked the second International Yoga Day celebrations in LDF-ruled Kerala.
Inaugurating the 'Chethana Yoga' of the CPI(M) supported outfit in Kollam beach, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged to free Yoga from the grip of religion and spirituality to help majority of people get its positive results.
A large number of people, including women, participated in the programme, organised by the party-supported outfit 'Indian Martial Arts Academy'.
"Yoga should not be related to any particular religion. When Yoga is connected with religion and spirituality, a large section of people will be denied its positive results," Vijayan said.

The state-level observance of Yoga Day was inaugurated by state Health and Social Justice Minister K K Shailaja at the Central Stadium here.
She pressed for ensuring secularism in the yoga practise and said yoga does not belong to any religion.

Governor Justice (Rtd) P Sathasivam led the yoga session at his official residence Rajbhavan, which was attended by the employees there.
Various government and private institutions, hospitals and NGOs organised programmes to commemorate the occasion across the state.
Union Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar was the chief guest at the BJP's state-level programme held at an auditorium in nearby Kaimanom this morning.

After taking part in the Yoga session, the Minister also witnessed a yoga display by children.
Addressing the gathering, he said yoga was not 'religion specific' or 'caste specific' and it was for humanity. The interest for yoga was growing around the world due to the observance of the International Yoga Day since last year, he said.
"It is the second year of the International Yoga Day observance and it has already become a public movement all around the world. This is not religion specific or caste specific. It is for all humanity. That is why the world has adopted it," Javadekar said.

Along with the physical fitness, harmony and peace were also core objectives of Yoga, he said, urging Congress and Communist party activists in the state also to practise yoga.
A large number of dignitaries, including BJP state President Kummanom Rajasekharan, veteran party leader and the lone BJP MLA in the state Assembly O Rajagopal were among those who attended the event.