Yoga day to be observed in Kerala, CM Oommen Chandy to keep away

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21 is likely to be a low key affair in Kerala with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, keeping away.

The State level Yoga Day celebrations would be inaugurated by Chief Secretary, Jiji Thomson at the Central stadium here.

Chandy would be at Puthupally, his home constituency, where he would be attending scheduled functions, his office said.

Free yoga classes, Yoga dance, a seminar and a documentary on Yoga would be released on the occasion as part of the celebrations.

Some leaders of Indian Union Muslim League, the second largest partner in the ruling Congress-led UDF, had earlier come out against Centre's decision to celebrate Yoga day.

Meanwhile, a majority of schools of the Central Board of Secondary Education in Kerala have taken steps to observe yoga day in their respective schools.

While some schools held the celebrations, some others are likely to hold it tomorrow as it would be difficult for school authorities to ask the students to turn up on a Sunday.

A defence press release said at least 3000 persons would participate at the 'Mass Yoga Event' at the Military Station at nearby Pangode.

The Indian Army plans to conduct the event as a 'Pan India' event from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram assumes special significance as it hosts the Southernmost Fighting Formation of Indian Army.

Dr Vasundhara Amma P, Doctorate on Naturopathy and Yoga along with two assistant Yoga Instructors from Army Public School (APS), Thiruvananthapuram and KV, Pangode will be conducting the event, the release said.

Approximately 3000 participants, including military personnel, NCC Cadets and students of Kendriya Vidyalala (KV), Pangode and APS would attend the yoga day celebrations.

Brigadier Samir Salunke, Commander 91 Infantry Brigade and Station Commander of Thiruvananthapuram Military Station will also be attending the event.