Pune: The 10th International Yoga Day was celebrated on Friday (June 21) by the Art of Living by guiding and conducting Yoga and meditation sessions in the city. Over 20,000 students and citizens participated in them at 200 places.

Commercial and government establishments, educational institutions, IT companies, media houses and housing societies enthusiastically participated in the sessions. Art of Living trainers and volunteers guided students, employees and citizens at the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Ghole Road and Vadgaon Sheri Ward offices, Pune Metro office, students from 25 schools run by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and other places.

In his message on the occasion, Art of Living Founder and Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “It is time this ancient art, which develops our inner being, needs to be discussed. Yoga is a blessing for the humanity.” 

He was speaking at the United Nations Organization meeting in Geneva. He said, “Yoga is very useful in curing diseases, solving problems, increasing flexibility, cheering our mind and sharpening our intellect. Yoga should be done along with Pranayam and meditation. Otherwise, it will merely remain a physical exercise.”

Lakhs of Yoga lovers celebrated the day not only in India but also in 180 countries across the world under the guidance of experienced Sri Sri Yoga trainers. They also meditated.