The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and its Autonomous Institutes celebrated the International Yoga Day 2021 which was focussed on 'Yoga for Wellness.'

On this occasion, Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, DBT, said that Yoga is important for the health and wellness of both body and mind. Today, in a fast-paced world with COVID restrictions, Yoga is ideal to keep the noncommunicable and lifestyle diseases at bay. It is apt that the entire world is promoting physical activity on this occasion. Due to the gentle approach and little guidance required, Yoga is ideal for diverse population.

DBT-NABI and DBT-CIAB, Mohali jointly organized a public lecture on the theme करेंयोग- भगाएँरोग. In his lecture Dr. Ajay Kumar Shastri, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, stressed that those who are satisfied from within can live long. Dr Shastri also gave live demonstration of many exercises that can be performed while working at office. He also suggested regular practice of Pranayamto stay healthy. The event was attended by all the scholars, staff and faculty of both NABI and CIAB.

BIRAC, a PSU of DBT, observed the International Yoga Day by organising an online guided Yoga session as per the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) issued by Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India for all its employees.

DBT-RCB, Faridabad celebrated the International Yoga Day by demonstrating various asanas such as Tadasana, Bhadrasana, Vajrasana, Ustrasana, Shashankasana, vakrasana etc through virtual mode. The virtual event was attended by RCB staff and students.

DBT-ILS, Bhubaneshwarorganized a special lecture on relevance of Yoga in day-to-day life. Mr Akhil Rana from SOA University in his special lecture titled Be with Yoga, Be at Home, detailed out the relevance and importance of Yoga for managing both physical and mental health of individuals. He also demonstrated few simple yoga exercises to be practiced both at home and workplaces. Dr. Ajay Parida, Director, mentioned that it is scientifically proven that systematic asana practices, dedicated pranayama, meditation, and mantras could provide a broad-spectrum immune build up in the body so that viral infection could be averted and/or its virulence reduced.

DBT-NIAB, Hyderabad also celebrated the Yoga by organising an online Yoga demonstration and practice session. Dr. Nagendra R. Hegde, Director-In-Charge encouraged the employees, students and project staff to join online in celebration of the Yoga day and on practicing Yoga daily.

DBT-IBSD, Imphalinvited Dr. P. Manivel, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute, Research Station, Tamil Nadu, Dr. L.W. Ananta, Managing Director, The Yoga Physique Institute and Studies, Manipur and Sh. K. Thomas Niranjan Kumar, Wellness Expert from Hyderabad to highlight ‘Yoga for Wellness’ as the resource persons to address the participants with their expertise on how Yoga can benefit the human body.

DBT-NCCS, Pune and DBT NBRC, Faridabad also celebrated the Yoga Day by organising a 45 minutes Yoga session as per the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). The employees their family members and researchers joined in person and via virtual mode keeping COVID-19 social distancing protocols.

DBT-RGCB, Thiruvananthapuramconducted live and online yoga session in the early morning for the staff and students of the institution. Online yoga session started at 6 am whereas the live session was initiated with a small group at 7.30 am.