Mumbai, June 21 (IANS) Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Sunday joined the senior officers of the Indian Coast Guard in performing yoga on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.

This year the International Day of Yoga at Lok Bhavan was organised in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, which is stepping into the Golden Jubilee year of its inception. Officers and personnel of the Indian Coast Guard, their family members, and officials of Lok Bhavan attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor called upon universities across Maharashtra to promote yoga on a large scale and produce yoga tutors and trainers for the world. Recalling the global recognition accorded to yoga, the Governor said that for centuries yoga was practised mainly in homes, ashrams and dedicated institutions. A historic turning point came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the United Nations to declare 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The initiative received unprecedented international support, leading to the adoption of a UN resolution backed by a record number of member states.

The Governor praised the Indian Coast Guard for its outstanding contribution to the nation since its establishment in 1977. Congratulating the force as it approaches the milestone of completing 50 years of service, he said the nation looks back with immense pride on its remarkable journey marked by dedication, professionalism and selfless service.

The Indian Coast Guard has emerged as a vital pillar of India’s maritime security architecture through countless operations and relentless vigilance. Maharashtra, with its extensive coastline, busy ports and strategic maritime interests, has greatly benefited from the commitment of the Coast Guard. The force has played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of life at sea, protecting fishermen and mariners, preventing illegal activities and maintaining security along our coastline, he said.

The Governor noted that the tireless efforts of Coast Guard personnel, often undertaken in challenging conditions, ensure that India’s seas remain safe, secure and prosperous. He observed that the International Day of Yoga celebration reflected the ethos of the Indian Coast Guard, where physical fitness, mental resilience and a spirit of service go hand in hand.

Referring to his role as Chancellor of 29 state universities with more than three million students, the Governor appealed to universities to actively promote yoga. “I believe our universities can produce the finest yoga tutors and trainers for the entire world and contribute significantly to the global spread of this invaluable Indian tradition,” he said.

Additional Director General, Western Seaboard, Indian Coast Guard, M.V. Pathak, PTM, TM, and Inspector General Bhishm Sharma, PTM, TM, felicitated the Governor on the occasion. The yoga and pranayama session was conducted by yoga instructor Dilip Dauneria from Kaivalyadhama.

–IANS

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