Braving early morning showers, the second International Yoga Day was observed in Aizawl where more than 1,000 yoga enthusiasts participated in yoga exercises organised by the Assam Rifles.
Addressing a function on the occasion, state governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma, expressed the hope that yoga would transform 'Healthy Mizoram Campaign' into a reality.
He also sought to demystify the allegation that yoga was an unsafe exercise for followers of some religious faiths by stating that the sole purpose of yoga was to impart good health to people in general.
"Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition to the world that is presently afflicted with a myriad of health problems," he said.
He invited more people to come forward and be a part of the group of yoga practitioners of more than 200 countries who were reaping the benefits of yoga.
Meanwhile, the Presbyterian Church's Mizoram Synod warned the church members against the practice of yoga saying it is based on Hindu religion and cannot be suitable for Christians.
While accepting that the practice of yoga could cure some illness, the Mizoram Synod said in its message to all the local churches, that it cannot give real cure as given by Jesus Christ.
Earlier, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), conglomerate of 14 major church denominations, also made an appeal to the Christians to avoid yoga as it could dilute their religious beliefs.
