AIZAWL, June 20 - Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain arrived in Aizawl today to attend the International Yoga Day to be observed at Assam Rifles ground on Wednesday. In the Christian-dominated State where majority of Christians believe that yoga clashes with their belief, the International Yoga Day will be observed as Healthy Mizoram Campaign by the Assam Rifles.
The Young Mizo Association, the largest civil organisation in Mizoram, today declined the invitation to participate in the launching of the Healthy Mizoram Campaign on the occasion of the International Yoga Day. In a press release today, the central committee of the YMA said it does not support the propagation of yoga in Mizoram as it goes against the teaching of Christianity and urged the Mizo Christians to refrain from Yoga. However, Governor Lt Gen (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has made a fervent appeal to the Mizos to practice yoga for their health.
�There are certain misconceptions about Yoga, which must be dispelled. Some believe even in Mizoram that Yoga is a religious activity impinging on other faiths. It must be clearly understood that Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always been approached as a technology for inner well- being. It works on the level of one�s mind, body and energy,� the Governor said in his message on the occasion of the Yoga Day.
�You will agree that no one needs it more than us in Mizoram. Despite having a vibrant civil society, high literacy, good climate and all the other necessary ingredients, we still have the dubious distinction of suffering from cancer, drug addiction, alcoholism, HIV and so on in a big way. In that our youth is affected in particular. It calls for a change of mind set and major life style changes,� the Governor added.
Last year, ahead of the International Yoga Day, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, an umbrella organisation of 15 major churches of the State, urged Christians to refrain from practising yoga as it is related to �Hinduism�.
Arunachal Correspondent adds: Along with rest of the world, Arunachal Pradesh is going to celebrate the International Yoga Day tomorrow.
To mark the day, the State Government is organising a function at Indira Gandhi Park here. Chief Minister Pema Khandu will attend the Yoga Day celebration as the chief guest. Besides the yoga enthusiasts, several dignitaries, politicians and bureaucrats are expected to gather at the park to perform yogasanas.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Governor P B Acharya has appealed to the people to participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations across the State. He expressed the hope that the great movement initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to promote healthy mind and body.
In his message, the Governor said that Yoga is one of the most invaluable gifts of the ancient Indian tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body and promotes harmony amongst the people and nature. It encourages more holistic approach towards good health and happiness. Yoga provides physical and mental well being of the people. For sound health and mind, we need to incorporate Yoga as part of our daily life, he further said.
