Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said he wants to make yoga compulsory in every class.
"As the Minister of sports and youth affairs, I feel the necessity of introducing yoga in every centre or class and also in the sports centres," Sonowal said at a function here ahead of the International Day of Yoga tomorrow.
"That's why from my ministry I have decided to make yoga a compulsory subject in all our SAI (Sports Authority of India) centres because whatever yoga can give, nothing (else) can give," he said.
The traditional practice helps people maintain their mental, physical and spiritual strengths, he said, adding that yoga is not only for the holistic development of man but will also help us in achieving world peace.
"We must express our gratitude to 193 countries who have agreed to join the great movement which will ultimately bring peace," Sonowal said.
Praising Baba Ramdev, he said the yoga guru is the main person to be given credit for revival of the ancient practice in India and taking it to the common masses.
"I would like to express my sincere thanks to Baba Ramdev for popularising yoga and making it a household habit. He has infused, renewed interest not only in India but also in Western countries," he said.
