Yoga above religion: idu

New Delhi, Oct 10: Vice President M. Venkaiah idu on Tuesday said that though yoga has nothing to do with religion, some people unfortutely give religious overtones to the ancient scientific system, which is a disservice to humanity.

“Yoga adopts a holistic approach towards health and well-being. While Yoga has nothing to do with religion, some people unfortutely attribute religious overtones to this ancient scientific system. Any one trying to do so is harming humanity,” said idu after iugurating the 3rd Intertiol Yoga Conference here.

Stressing that “Yoga is a science of well-being”, he called for the subject to be studied and practised like any other medical system. “More research needs to be done to take this science forward, so that the world population benefits from this treasury of knowledge and wisdom,” said idu. The Vice President said the ancient science of Yoga “is India’s invaluable gift to the modern world”.

Calling it mother of all exercises, idu said there was a misconception that Yoga was only a kind of physical exercise meant to help improve the physical fitness of an individual. “Nothing could be farther than this. It is a holistic system where the mind and body act in unison and get completely rejuveted, as physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation help in overall well-being of an individual. “And, of course, Yoga also helps in the spiritual quest of an individual through understanding of the inner-self and achieving complete peace with the surroundings,” said idu.

The theme of two-day intertiol conference is “Yoga for Wellness”. Around 25 tiol and intertiol experts are speakers at the event, which is being attended by over 500 delegates. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso ik presided over the iugural function. Secretary (AYUSH) C.K. Mishra, Special Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and yoga gurus of intertiol repute were also present.

idu on the occasion also stated that while, yoga was an integral part of “Health and Physical Education” in India, it was also gaining popularity in schools in far-off lands, including the United States. “It has been introduced in schools in the UK and Australia because of its positive effects on concentration levels and emotiol balance, among others,” said idu.

The Vice President on the occasion also appreciated the efforts of people like Baba Ramdev. (IANS)