Goa, 21 June 2022

The Eighth International Yoga day was celebrated at the iconic Largo of St. Francis Xavier, Se Cathedral Old Goa (Churches and Convent of Goa). The event was marked  with the participation of more than 800 persons from all walks of the society.

The mass demonstration of Yoga, which coincides with the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ program, celebrating 75 years of India’s independence, was inaugurated by Union Minister of Tourism, Ports, Shipping and waterways, Shri Shripad Naik.Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that The Govt. of India each year celebrates International Day of Yoga on a large scale across the world. To showcase the rich beauty, topography, geography and architecture of India and to brand Incredible India on the global stage, the Government of India has identified 75 Iconic Tourist sites across the country for the celebration of International Day of Yoga 2022.  The minister shared his happiness by informing  that Goa has two iconic venues which have been identified by the Govt. of India. The other one being the Aguada Fort and  Jail Museum Complex.  The Minster also explained the theme of this year’s Yoga celebration - Theme for this year is ‘Yoga for Humanity’. This theme is apt considering the role of Yoga, which apart from boosting immunity, also helped Covid patients to de-stress and aiding the recovery process further for the patients, said the minister. Experiencing deep tranquillity, overcoming our doubts, discovering the purpose of life, the Yogis pondered for long over these most fundamental issues of life and found answers to these otherwise troubling questions. Yoga gives the choice to live a beautiful life with full clarity, compassion and consideration. This is what one learns through the science and art of living, i.e. Yoga. Thanks to the Indian Yoga Masters (Gurus), who propagated and promoted Yoga not only in India but throughout the world, said the minister, while explaining the multifaceted dimensions of Yoga.

The formal inaugural ceremony was followed by a yoga demonstration, coordinated by Goa State Yoga Academy. The demonstration included asanas, pranayam and meditation as per the common yoga protocol.  The Yoga demonstrations were followed up by cultural events and showcasing of talents by the students of Goa state yoga academy.

The entire event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of  Shri Venkatesan Dattatreyan, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India who in his  welcome speech mentioned that the enhanced visibility of the iconic tourists places is set to receive due to the yoga demonstrations will have a positive impact on tourism industry and the economy as a whole. He also mentioned the prospects of niche wellness tourism , its international significance and its importance for the Ministry of tourism , and India in general. Shri Suraj Naik , Coordinator for the IDY events in Goa proposed the vote of thanks.

Shri Rajesh Faldessai, MLA , Rev. Father Patricio Fernandes, Rector of the “Basilica of Bom Jesus”, Old Goa ,Shri. Siddesh Naik, Chairman North Goa Zilla Panchayat, Dr. Sanjay Manjul, Joint DG, ASI, New Delhi , Suraj Naik, Coordinator IDY -2022 for Goa, Dr. H. K. Gupta, Research Officer from AYUSH Ministry ,Milind Mahale, The Goa State Yoga Academy, Joint Director Press Information Bureau Shri Vinod Kumar, Officers from Mormugao Port Trust, Archaeological Survey of India Institute of Hotel Management, Goa, National Institute of Watersports, Goa were also present on the occasion.

The Churches and Convents of Goa and Se Cathedral is one of most visited monuments not only in Goa but also in the country.  The Churches and Convents of Old Goa is a complex which houses the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral along with some other churches of Old Goa. The Churches and Convents of Goa features on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Se Cathedral is the largest church among the group. Architecturally the building is in Portuguese Gothic style; the exterior of the building is Tuscan and the interior Corinthian.

Ministry of Tourism through its India Tourism offices across the country  is organising Yoga sessions on June 21st and Live demonstrations, at 75 Major Tourist destinations and iconic locations like, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, Sevagram, Maharashtra, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai city, Aga Khan Palace, Pune, Rani Ki Vav, Patan Gujarat, Champaner- Pavagadh, Gujarat, Besant Nagar Beach Chennai, Ellora Caves Aurangabad, Sun Temple Konark, Bodhgaya, Sun Temple Konark, Assam, Shillong, and many more.Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is being performed at 75 iconic sites across India besides mass demonstrations at local level for branding India globally

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