Hyderabad: A historic milestone was achieved on Wednesday as 20,000 Divyangjan from across India, including 3,000 at the Kanha Wellness Centre in Hyderabad, participated in the mass Yoga movement envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in coordination with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, the event took place at the Kanha Wellness Centre, located in Kanha Village, Rangareddy District of Telangana.
Individuals with various disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and thalassemia, showcased their enthusiasm and zeal by performing Mass Yoga on Wednesday.
Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, who graced the event as the chief guest, emphasized the significance of Yoga, stating that it is now being practiced simultaneously across the country. He also highlighted the efforts of national institutes and composite regional centers in conducting webinars to raise awareness about the benefits of Yoga and adapted yoga for Divyangjan.
Dr Kumar expressed his overwhelming pride in witnessing 3,000 Divyangjan from 16 states, including Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, and West Bengal, gathering under one roof to perform yoga with great enthusiasm. He emphasized that Yoga is a self-healing practice, beneficial for Divyangjan, as it builds energy and helps individuals stay active for extended periods.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, A Narayan Swamy, stressed the role of Yoga in promoting harmony and inclusivity in society. He urged everyone to be sensitive and recognize the abilities of Divyangjan, urging them to embrace the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
Both Union Ministers actively participated in the event by sitting amongst the Divyangjan and performing yoga for the entire 45 minutes. Additionally, 200 beneficiaries received Teaching-Learning Material (TLM) kits and aids and appliances free of cost under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchasing/fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) scheme of the Department.
The mega event achieved remarkable recognition, as it secured three records from the International World Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and India Book of Records for hosting the largest number of Divyangjan performing Yoga. The event was further fueled by the live online messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President, which injected enthusiasm among the Divyangjan participants.
All participants were issued certificates after completion of the event.
