UGC wants vice-chancellors to promote yoga

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked vice-chancellors of universities to ensure their “personal indulgence” in promotion of yoga in their campuses.

In a letter to the vice-chancellors, the higher education regulator also asked them to ensure that no stone was left unturned in preparation for the activities suggested to be organised to mark the International Yoga Day June 21.

“During the review of proposed ‘plan of action’, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for making yoga more appealing to the youth so that they can imbibe this rich cultural heritage and their youthful energy could be effectively channelised in nation-building,” UGC secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said in a letter.

He requested the vice-chancellors to organise a ‘Yoga Fest’ for two to three days during April-May to sensitise students with the “strengths and health benefits” of yoga.

The activities in the Yoga Fest could include a musical and cultural programmes based on yoga as well as presentations to sensitise of youth about career prospects in yoga, he said.

An instructional booklet on common yoga protocol would be made available online after March 20. “They may also be trained in the ‘common yoga protocol’ to be performed on International Day of Yoga on June 21,” he added.

The UGC secretary also asked the vice-chancellors to consider organising special lectures by experts on topics like Yoga for lifestyle modifications, Yoga for wellness, Yuva Yoga, Yoga and detoxification, Power of Pranayama, Yoga for mind and body.