Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today lauded the greatness and benefits of Yoga and said it should not be seen as part of religion...

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today lauded the greatness and benefits of Yoga and said it should not be seen as part of any religious practice. Participating in the state-level International Yoga Day celebrations here, Vijayan said the LDF government has taken steps to set up a yoga and naturopathy center of international standards in the state. Yoga can be practiced by all, irrespective of caste and religion, the senior CPI(M) leader said adding it should be done with 'free and secular' mind.

International Yoga Day celebrations

Stating that yoga was an exercise and not part of any ritual, Vijayan said attempts were being made by some groups to "hijack" it in the name of religion. "This kind of false propaganda will only keep common people away from yoga and reduce its popularity," he said. Terming Yoga as a 'good exercise' for the body and mind, the Chief Minister said, "though there may be many other forms of exercises in the world, there is nothing as good as yoga especially for the mental health and well-being."

Governor P Sathasivam

Participating in the yoga day celebrations at Raj Bhavan, Governor P Sathasivam said the physical exercise signifies the unity of thought and action and shows a holistic path to health and well-being. "By practicing yoga, we are not only enhancing our energy, but also paying our respect to the Indian tradition of health," he said. Mizoram Governor and former BJP state president, Kummanam Rajasekharan also attended a yoga day celebration here. Several outfits and organizations also organized International National Yoga Day celebrations across the state.