Massive Turnout for Yoga Day Despite Summer Vacation
The International Day of Yoga celebrations across Ludhiana district saw a huge turnout of National Cadet Corps (NCC) members and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, even as schools and colleges remain closed for summer break. According to official data, a total of 3,086 NSS volunteers and NCC cadets from 25 educational institutions participated in various yoga events.
Department Coordination Drives Participation
The Department of Youth Services, in coordination with Panjab University, Chandigarh, mobilized 1,799 NSS volunteers. Meanwhile, the 19 Punjab Battalion NCC and 3 Punjab Girls Battalion NCC motivated 1,287 cadets to take part in the activities.
Officials Highlight Benefits of Yoga
Lt Col Faizan Zahoor, commanding officer of the 19 Punjab Battalion, emphasized the significance of incorporating yoga into daily life, particularly for youth and defence aspirants. Savita Bector, a yoga instructor from Doraha, noted that yoga helps mitigate health risks. “Yoga adds longevity and makes life worth enjoying by keeping diseases at bay,” she added.
Student Volunteers Share Positive Experiences
Participants described the event as a wonderful experience. Navneet Kaur, a student of Guru Nanak National College, said, “I understood yoga is something to be practised every day to stay fit and healthy. Had I not been part of this day, I would have missed something important.” Harpreet, a volunteer from Ramgarhia Girls College, noted that the pleasant weather and lush green lawns provided a befitting atmosphere for the sessions.
Plans for Follow-Up Yoga Activities
State NSS officer Rupinder Kaur said the NSS units were directed to organize sessions in their own institutions and adopted villages. “We received a very good response from the district. I thank the colleges and schools for arranging sessions despite summer vacation and for convincing students to participate in large numbers. We will now map the data to plan follow-up yoga activities during NSS camps,” Kaur added.
