Practise yoga daily to beat mental stress: CM to youths

Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday advised young people, who spend considerable time on mobile phones and social media, to practise yoga for at least 20-30 minutes every day to stay free from mental stress.Addressing a large gathering at Kalinga Stadium on the occasion of International Yoga Day, Majhi described yoga as a unique confluence of physical, intellectual and spiritual elements.“Yoga is not confined to any particular religion. It is a priceless global gift for the development of human consciousness,” the CM said.Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, Majhi said various physical and mental challenges associated with ageing, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and loneliness, can be addressed through yoga and pranayama.He said the well-being of the state’s senior citizens is an invaluable asset to society. Majhi said the govt has taken steps to establish three new Ayurvedic medical colleges in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts to strengthen the AYUSH healthcare system. A yoga and naturopathy institution is under construction over 20 acres at Binjhagiri in Jatni, while the foundation stone for a Central Ayurvedic Medical College has been laid at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district.He said the govt is also taking steps to include yoga in the school curriculum and public health programmes.