International Yoga day observed across Karnataka; Deve Gowda, 85, steals the show

Bengaluru, June 21: The International Yoga Day was celebrated by thousands of people with full vigour across Karnataka today.

While a frenzied Yoga Day fever gripped the city with events organised in schools, colleges and army training centres, it did not figure much in the government scheme of things except for a message by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on the microblogging site Twitter.

In his message carrying his picture doing Pranayama, Kumaraswamy said Yoga has been very much in his family as his father, wife and others regularly do it.

"Yoga is a gift from India to the world. Recognising the importance of Yoga, the United Nations too made arrangements to organise 'World Yoga Day'. It has also given an insight into the Yoga tradition existing in India," Kumaraswamysaid.

"Kumaraswamy did not perform any Yoga but he did visit a school managed by Adi Chunchanagiri Math in Ramanagar district. He also gave a message," said an officer in the Department of Information and Public Relations.

The picture that was shared in social media was abouthis presence among the visually impaired children.

Even his itinerary of the day did not have any mention about Yoga or participation in any Yoga event.

Deputy chief minister Dr G Parameshwara too did nottake part in any Yoga event.

His Twitter handle too did not have any message or pictures on Yoga Day, although he is quite active in social media.

While son Kumaraswamy completed the Yoga day by issuing a message in his Twitter handle, his octogenarian father and former prime minister H D Devegowda demonstrated his Yoga skills befitting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness challenge.

After doing exercises for loosening muscle stiffness around his shoulder joints, leg joints and ankle joints, he performed Paada-hastasana, Markatasana and Pavanamuktasana.

On the other hand, the Yoga fever was high at the BJP headquarters where the BJP leaders and workers led by state president B S Yeddyurappa performed asanas.

Later, sharing the photos on Facebook, Yeddyurappa said, "Celebrated International Yoga Day at Malleshwaram, Yoga is a way to have a divine lifestyle and also strengthen mind body & soul.

I also take the opportunity to thank Shri Narendra Modi for his commendable efforts in taking yoga to the global platform." 

The major event took place at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade ground where about 8,000 NCC cadets from 150schools and colleges in and around Bengaluru participated.

Theevent was organised by the NCC Directorate (Karnataka & Goa)Bengaluru.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers,Ananthkumar too actively took part in the proceedings.

Later addressing the gathering, Kumar complimented all thosewho organised it and participated in a good number.

He exhorted the cadets to pledge their allegiance to the tricolour and spelt out the huge impact of yoga the world over.

Another major event was organised at the Madras Engineer Group and Centre in which 3,500 soldiers including officers, junior commissioned officers, Jawans and their families did Yoga.

The International Yoga Day was also celebrated inother Army units here.