Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jun 21: Mangaluru International Airport on Thursday June 21 joined millions across the country in celebrating International Yoga Day at the airport premises.

With an aim to raise awareness on its many health benefits, scores of people performed yoga led by airport director V V Rao and other officials.

V V Rao, P V Prasad, additional airport director, MIA, Amith Kumar, deputy commandant, CISF, Sujana Rao, president, Kalyanmayee (MIA), Hazel Concessao, PA to the airport director, Raja Ram Shenoy, yoga instructor, and station managers of Jet Airways and Air India SATS were present.

Addressing the gathering, V V Rao said, "International Day of Yoga is a day to honour the ancient science of yoga, a science for transformation and spiritual evolution perfected and handed down by the ancient sages and seers. On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Airport Authority of India (AAI) decided to be part of it. The officers and staffs of customs, CISF, and all airlines operating from Mangaluru are part of this celebration.

"Kallyanmayee, the women wing of AAI took initiative for this celebration. Earlier, we had organised the celebration of various festivals and occasions here and received good response. I thank all those who work for MIA for their support and participation," he said.

In his speech during meditation, Raja Ram Shenoy said, "The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means 'to join' or 'to unite', symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. And with the practice of global celebration of yoga, this union will emerge even stronger. It is not about exercise, but discovering the sense of oneness within oneself, the world and the nature. Changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness can help our well-being. So the practice of yoga will help everyone retain physic and mental fitness."

Sujana Rao said, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. Knowing this, Kallyanmayee took the initiative for the celebration of Yoga Day in a meaningful manner."

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