Mangaluru : The much awaited International Yoga Day drew huge public response in the coastal city. Apart from young men and women, children and senior citizens too enthusiastically participated in Yoga demonstration organised by district administration, in association with AYUSH department, youth welfare and sports department at Dr TMA Pai International Convention Hall in the city on Sunday.

Dakshina Kannada District in-Charge Minister B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the Yogasana demonstration, which was led by renowned Yoga teacher Gopalakrishna Delampady. After breath control and Mudras, the Yoga teacher started with simple Asanas which would provide exercise to neck, knee and other joints in the body.

Vrakshasana, Padahasthasana, Uttanasana and Vajrasana were practiced. A large screen was put up for the benefit of participants and Gopalakrishna described the meaning of each Asana.

Under his guidance, Deputy Commissioner Ibrahim demonstrated Tadasana and Ardhachakrasana. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel demonstrated Aasanas like Padmasana and Bhadrachakrasana. MLA Mohiuddin Bava performed Vajrasana. MLA J R Lobo, who is practising Yoga for the past 30 years performed Bhujangasana with ease.

Rai said that he was practising Yoga daily for the past two years and it had helped him in reducing his weight from 124 kg to 99 kg. He was sad that though all Assembly members slept in the House, media highlighted only him. The minister became a vegetarian 20 years ago.

The Deputy Commissioner was elated by the public response and said that Yoga can help those who are under mental stress. The programme was just an attempt to introduce Yoga but public enjoyed it. “As an individual, Yoga has helped me to a great extent to increase the capability,” he said.

Member of Legislative Council Capt Ganesh Karnik, Zilla Panchayat president Asha Timmappa Gowda, CEO P I Sreevidya, Mayor Jacintha Vijaya Alfred, Deputy Mayor Purushotham Chitrapur, RTO Afzal Ahmed Khan, District Kannada Sahitya Academy President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura were present.

Indians have contributed Yoga to the world, which is betterment of human kind. Now, it has been recognised at the international-level, said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel. He spoke after inaugurating International Yoga Day celebrations at Sangha Niketan in Mannagudde.

Indian Yoga is not only an exercise but also helps in attaining mental peace. It also helps in creating a healthy society, he said. RSS South Karnataka Pranth Sanghchalak Dr P Vaman Shenoy presided over the function. Karnataka Bank President Ananth Krishna were present.