Chennai: Efforts to promote yoga continue in the lead up to International Yoga Day and Mahayogam, an NGO, today kicked off a continuous 40-hour performance by 43 disciples at Senate House, University of Madras.
The event is being organised in association with the Department of Yoga of University of Madras and aimed at bigger outreach for bringing a positive change in the society.
Conducted ahead of International Yoga Day (to be observed on 21 June), the programme showcased more than 600 asanas in repeats. With this, Mahayogam is attempting to break its earlier 32-hour Limca Book of Records and enter the Guinness Book of Records.
The organisation also taught basic asanas for free to members of the public during the event.
Chairman and Managing Director of BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikya Vidyut Nigam Ltd) Kallol Roy from Department of Atomic Energy in Kalpakkam; P Senthil Kumar, Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, government of Tamilnadu and K Periayya, IG- Home Guard were among those who flagged off the event.
"India gave yoga to the world. Though Indians started realising the value of yoga, more efforts are needed for increased awareness. Mahayogam is organising the event to reiterate the advantages that yoga would bring if it becomes a way of life. Yoga is the panacea that will not only set right our physical problems but cure the psychological illness as well," said Ramesh Rishi of Mahayogam Foundation.
In the meantime, as a prelude to International Yoga day, the Art of Living is taking it to different time zones.
Tomorrow will see thousands of yoga enthusiasts in 108 countries and 108 cities in India gather in front of a popular landmark and salute the rising sun with power-packed sun salutations.
"The International Day of Yoga is a big moment for us. We have been teaching yoga for the last 35 years all over the world. We are having so many events in so many countries goes to prove that yoga is truly universal" said Kamlesh Barwal, global head, The Sri Sri Yoga.
On 21 June, under the guidance of 25,000 trained teachers, yoga enthusiasts from across the globe will practise the government's Common Yoga Protocol to commemorate International Day of Yoga. Last year more than 50 million people participated in the event across the world.
In Chennai, a programme would be held at Marina Beach inner road opposite Vivekananda Illam, from 5.30 am.
Additionally, the Art of Living Chennai is running free yoga camps in six locations - Virugambakkam, Avadi, Adayar, ICF, Moulivakkam and Nandambakkam. These camps will culminate on 21 June.
Courtesy: News Today