Yoga essential for creating healthy nation: Venkaiah Naidu

Mumbai: Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday suggested that yoga should be included in school curriculum and it is unfortunate that some people try to link it with a religion. If it is included in the school curriculum it is possible to create a healthy nation, he said.

Participating in an International Yoga Day event at the Bandra Reclamation Sealink Promenade, Mr Naidu said, "Yoga is a holistic approach to well being. It shouldn't just be for one day, it should be a part of our daily lives. Yoga is a gift from India to the world."

"The practice of yoga is important for positive thoughts. If it is included in the school curriculum it is possible to create a healthy nation," he added.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also performed asanas at the event, said yoga, an ancient science, was important in the modern day world.

Later in the day, Mr Naidu inaugurated a national consultation on 'making agriculture sustainable and profitable' at an institute in Pune.

Speaking at the event, Mr Naidu said that loan waiver is not a permanent solution and in the long-term, it would affect the agriculture sector and hurt cultivators.

Claiming that farmers who take up allied activities such as poultry and dairy along with traditional farming, do not commit suicide.