Varanasi,: Banaras Hindu University joined the nation in celebrating 8th International Yoga Day with members of BHU fraternity practicing Yoga asanas in large numbers. Vice –Chancellor Prof. Sudhir K Jain led students, faculty members and staff in the International Day of Yoga celebration at the main function in Malaviya Bhavan. The program which started at 7.00 a.m. saw hundreds of students, teachers and employees in attendance as Yoga trainer Dr. Yogesh Kumar Bhatt guided the session. Rector Prof. V. K. Shukla, Registrar Prof. Arun Kumar Singh, Dean of Students Prof. K. K. Singh, Chief Proctor Prof. Abhimanyu Singh, Directors of Institutes, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and senior officers of the university were also present on the occasion. The Vice-Chancellor also planted 11 saplings on the occasion of International Yoga Day.
Later, a prize distribution function was also organized for the winners of various competitions held on the occasion of International Yoga Day. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sudhir K Jain invoked founder of Banaras Hindu University Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya and called for all round development of students. He said that we must nurture our students in a way that they excel in areas they choose in their life and career. We must focus on quality and not quantity. We are known only if our students shine and grow, said Prof. Jain. The Vice-Chancellor said that as BHU we are setting an example for others by imparting education in diverse fields. In Yoga training too, BHU has been playing a leading role for decades.
Prof. Kamlesh Dutt Tripathi, Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha, spoke at length about the importance of Yoga in life and how the world has also acknowledged it. He said that Yoga is India’s gift to the world, which has for long been sidelined. But it was a matter of great pride for us that now the world celebrates it as International Day of Yoga. He credited Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his efforts and initiatives in this regard.
Registrar Prof. Arun Kumar Singh said that we find mention of Yoga in our ancient scriptures and this is a treasure presented to us by our ancestors. Speaking on why only 21st June was declared as International Day of Yoga, he said that this being the longest day in the year, is indicative of whether we can also lead a longer life by having Yoga in our lives.
Rector Prof. V. K. Shukla urged youngsters to take Yoga to the community and society. He said that Yoga sessions should not be confined to Yoga Day celebrations only, rather we must make it part of our daily lives.
Dr. Kameshwar Upadhyaya also addressed the gathering. Prof. Upendra Pandey, Hony. Director, Malaviya Bhavan, and Chairperson, International Day of Yoga celebration in BHU, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Mukut Mani Tripathi conveyed the vote of thanks.
FACULTY OF AYURVEDA: International Yoga Day was also celebrated in various Faculties, Departments and Schools of Banaras Hindu University. At the Faculty of Ayurveda, Dean, Prof. K. N Dwivedi led the celebrations at the Patanjali Hall of the Faculty. Prof. S. K. Singh, Director, Institute of Medical Sciences, graced the program as chief guest.
SOUTH CAMPUS, BARKACHHA: International Yoga Day was also celebrated in South Campus of Banaras Hindu University at Barkachha, Mirzapur. Professor-in-Charge, South Campus, Prof. V. K. Mishra joined the yoga session with faculty members, students and staff.
BHARAT KALA BHAVAN: Bharat Kala Bhavan organized a talk on “Yoga in Indian Art”. The talk was delivered by Dr. Shanti Swarup Sinha, Faculty of Visual Arts. Dr. Sinha spoke in detail about the significance of Yoga in Indian Art by discussing the eight branches of Yoga. Bharat Kala Bhavan is also organizing a virtual art exhibition which can be accessed on the social media platforms of Bharat Kala Bhavan.
NSS, BHU: On the occasion of International Yoga Day, hundreds of volunteers of NSS, BHU, performed Yoga at Assi Ghat, Ganga Mahal Ghat and Rewa Kothi Ghat. Over 1500 volunteers participated in the yoga session.
CENTRAL HINDU GIRLS & CENTRAL HINDU BOYS SCHOOL: Yoga Day celebrations were also held in Central Hindu Girls School and Central Hindu Boys School. Prof. Anjali Vajpayee, Principal, Central Hindu Girls School practiced Yoga with students and teachers of the school. Principal Sh. Mahesh Chandra Jaiswal, Central Hindu Boys School, and Third officer NCC Sh. Satya Narayan performed yoga with students and teachers.
