CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi, celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2021 virtually with enthusiastic participation of scientists, staff, students, science lovers and communicators across the country.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, said that yoga is important for humans in many ways. The Indian knowledge system connects our body with our mind and soul. Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy and nutrition come under the umbrella of our rich Indian knowledge system. During the disastrous COVID pandemic, everyone faces fear, anxiety, psychological crisis, stress and depression along with the COVID-19 disease. And in such a trying time, Yoga and Ayurveda are effective tools to fight the pandemic. Even the United Nations has highlighted the importance of yoga for mental health. She said that through Yoga a healthy society and nation can be built.

Dr Navdeep Joshi, Nada Yoga expert, SFC member, CCRYN (Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy), Ministry of Ayush, joined the programme and stressed on the importance of meditation and yoga to control our intellectual body that is the ‘brain’.

In the programme, Yogacharya Manjari emphasised the power of our body. Ms Manjari coordinated the meditation session in which many participants took part actively.

Dr Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, moderated the event and question-answer session. Dr Paramanand Barman, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR coordinated the International Day of Yoga programme and delivered the vote of thanks.