KATHMANDU, June 21: International Yoga Day (IYD) is being observed across the country Tuesday with various programs.
Speaking at a program organized by the IYD Main Organizing Committee in the Capital to mark the IYD, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today said that yoga is an integral part of our life for healthy body and sound thoughts.
The PM claimed that yoga originated in Nepal, referring to the traditional form of exercise practiced by our ancestors and scholars since years ago.
Saying that yoga is an asset of all, he thanked those who initiated for the recognition of yoga by the United Nations.
On December 11, 2014, the United Nations endorsed the proposal to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day.
Similarly, Education Minister and coordinator of the IYD Main Organizing Committee Giriraj Mani Pokharel said that yoga should be spread at school level as well.
Indian Embassy observes 2nd int'l Yoga Day
International Yoga Day (Dinesh Golay/Republica)
Also, Health Minister Ram Janam Chaudhary urged all to practice yoga every day.
Likewise, Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae read out the message sent from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the day.
Also on the occasion, PM Oli, his wife Radhika Shakya and Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, lawmakers and high level officials practiced yoga for one hour.
Meanwhile, the PM honored Uttam Moktan for setting a new world record in 'Yoga Marathon'. Moktan received Rs 51,000 in cash.
Moktan has been recognized by Guinness World Records for practicing yoga continuously for 50 hours and 15 minutes on December 17-19, 2015.
Similarly on the occasion, the PM launched three books on yoga ('Tapai Ko Lagi Yoga' authored by Dr Raju Adhikari, 'Bichar Kranti' published by Patanjali Yog Peeth Nepal and 'Yoga Sandesh' (Yoga for peace and harmony) by Nepal-based Indian embassy). RSS
