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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MVA protests for third day:

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued their agitation for the third day in different parts of Maharashtra with an aggressive state Congress hitting the streets today to protest the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra and other Congress leaders yesterday, here on Wednesday. State and city Youth Congress again carried out vociferous protests near Mantralaya raising slogans, carrying banners and placards slamming the...

MVA protests for third day:

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued their agitation for the third day in different parts of Maharashtra with an aggressive state Congress hitting the streets today to protest the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra and other Congress leaders yesterday, here on Wednesday. State and city Youth Congress again carried out vociferous protests near Mantralaya raising slogans, carrying banners and placards slamming the state and central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and when some attempted to enter inside, they were prevented by a strong posse of Mumbai Police deployed there since Monday. As tensions appeared to escalate, the police clamped down by detaining top state and city Youth Congress leaders including President Harshwardhan Sapkal, Vijay Wadettiwar, Bhai Jagtap, Hussain Dalwai, and many others. Thousands of students carried out a fresh demonstration at Dadar west Shivaji Park to vent their ire at the police action on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s agitation in New Delhi on Monday. Several MVA leaders and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray visited or expressed solidarity with the protesting youth, comprising many women. Opposition’s Voice The Congress leaders alleged that Rahul Gandhi was targeted by the BJP-led government to muzzle democratic dissent, suppress the Opposition voices inside and outside Parliament and trampling upon the peoples' Constitutional Rights to protest peacefully. Defying pouring rains in the city on Wednesday, Congress workers along with activists of MVA allies, staged a noisy demonstration in Chembur and another group attempted to storm the BJP office in south Mumbai, condemning the assault on students in New Delhi and the detention of the Gandhi siblings. Senior Congress leader Hussain Dalwai flayed the government for “misusing the police” to gag democratic rights and the protests were intended to defend the Constitution and democracy against the BJP’s policy of intolerance of dissent in any form. “This is gross injustice. We are not allowed to protest against the government failures as they are misusing the police. The PM is scared of taking the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as he could be the next. We want to highlight to the BJP to govern the country as per the Constitution,” Dalwai declared, interacting with the media at Nariman Point. As the BJP also threatened to launch counter-protests, the police cordoned off and deployed a precautionary security ring around Tilak Bhavan, the state Congress headquarters, as leaders from both sides exchanged political darts and looked aggressive enough for a confrontation. MVA ‘bandh’, ‘Tricolour’ march today The state is set for another two days of political turmoil as the MVA has announced a Maharashtra shutdown (‘bandh’) on Thursday followed by a non-partisan ‘Tricolour Peace March’ on Friday. MVA allies, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, besides other leaders of the alliance, informed of the state and city level actions today. Ambedkar appealed to the masses and also the BJP youth to participate wholeheartedly in the bandh tomorrow and claimed that students’ bodies, parent-teachers associations, colleges, universities, other institutes of higher education, private coaching institutions, and other governmental departments could support the shutdown, as it has now become a national issue. Aaditya sought the peoples’ participation in the ‘Tricolour Peace March’ on the theme of “One Nation, One Emotion” planned on July 24 afternoon to Shivaji Park, in support of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, the Cockroach Janta Party, plus the youth and students protesting in New Delhi. Terming it as a national citizens’ movement rather than a political party, he called upon the people not to carry any party flags but unite under the National Tricolour to assert democratic rights and express resentment against the government’s high-handed policies. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have already imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 across the city from July 23-to- August 6, apprehending the possibility of law-and-order disturbances.

Global Celebration of Health, Harmony and Inner Balance

Every year on June 21, people across the world come together to celebrate International Yoga Day, an occasion that highlights the timeless value of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being and holistic living. What began as an idea rooted in India’s ancient tradition has now evolved into a worldwide movement embraced by millions across cultures, age groups and lifestyles.


Yoga is more than a physical exercise. It is a way of life that creates harmony between the body, mind and spirit. Originating thousands of years ago in India, yoga combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation and mindfulness practices. Its philosophy encourages individuals to achieve balance, discipline and inner peace while improving overall health.


The idea of celebrating International Yoga Day globally gained momentum in 2014 when India proposed the concept at the United Nations. The proposal received unprecedented support from member nations, and the United Nations officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Since then, the day has been observed annually through mass yoga demonstrations, awareness campaigns, workshops and wellness activities in countries across the globe. The choice of June 21 holds special significance. It marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year, symbolizing energy, renewal and transformation. This symbolism aligns closely with the essence of yoga, which encourages personal growth and self-awareness.


In today’s fast-paced world, the relevance of yoga has increased significantly. Modern lifestyles often lead to stress, anxiety, sedentary habits and various health challenges. Yoga offers a natural and accessible solution by helping individuals maintain physical fitness while supporting emotional and mental resilience. Regular yoga practice provides numerous benefits. Physically, it enhances flexibility, improves posture, strengthens muscles and supports better circulation. It also contributes to respiratory health and helps maintain overall body balance. Mentally, yoga encourages relaxation, reduces stress and improves concentration. Through breathing exercises and meditation, practitioners often experience greater emotional stability and mindfulness.


International Yoga Day also serves as a reminder that wellness extends beyond the absence of illness. It promotes preventive healthcare and encourages individuals to adopt healthier daily routines. Educational institutions, workplaces, healthcare organizations and community groups increasingly include yoga sessions to promote healthier and more productive environments. One of yoga’s greatest strengths is its inclusiveness.


Unlike many forms of exercise, yoga can be adapted to suit people of different ages and fitness levels. Children benefit through improved focus and discipline, adults gain physical and mental balance, and senior citizens often use yoga to support mobility and overall well-being.


The celebration of International Yoga Day has expanded far beyond traditional yoga sessions. Public parks, educational institutions, cultural organizations and community groups organize events that include guided meditation, expert talks and awareness campaigns about healthy living. Digital platforms have further expanded access, allowing people to participate in yoga sessions from their homes and connect with a global community focused on wellness.


Yoga also carries an important social message. It encourages compassion, self-awareness and harmony with nature. At a time when societies face growing pressures related to lifestyle diseases, environmental concerns and mental health challenges, yoga offers a simple yet meaningful path toward sustainable well-being. International Yoga Day is not merely an annual event; it is a celebration of an enduring philosophy that continues to inspire people worldwide.


It reminds us that health is not only physical fitness but also emotional strength, mental clarity and inner peace. As the world observes International Yoga Day, the message remains clear: through conscious breathing, mindful movement and balanced living, yoga empowers individuals to lead healthier, stronger and more meaningful lives.


(The writer is an Assistant Professor with Dayanand college of Commerce, Latur.) 

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