UGC to varsities: Mark June 21 as Yoga Day

The University Grants Commission has asked universities and colleges across the country to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day.

The University Grants Commission has asked universities and colleges across the country to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day. The move comes in the backdrop of United Nations declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his maiden speech at UN in September last year had mooted the idea.

The-69th-Session-of-the-United-Nations-General-Assembly-in-September-last-year-had-adopted-a-resolution-for-observing-the-International-Day-of-Yoga-on-June-21-each-year-Modi-had-proposed-the-idea-in-his-maiden-address-at-the-UN-General-Assembly-Photo-Thinkstock

In a communication to all vicechancellors of universities, the UGC, the apex regulatory body for higher education in the country, said the institutes may also ensure that promotional films are shown and education and communication materials on yoga are distributed on the day. “The Government 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, 2015. You are, therefore, requested to kindly observe International Day of Yoga on June 21, in your university and colleges affiliated to your university,” the communication said.

The 69th Session of the UN General Assembly in September last year had adopted a resolution for observing the International Day of Yoga on June 21 each year.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi an avid Yoga fan, the BJP-led government has given the ancient practice a major push.

Plans are afoot to make June 21 a significant day with some reports saying the government will issue `100 and `10 coins which will carry the logo of International Yoga Day.