NEW DELHI: All FM radio and community radio stations in the country are expected to take “all possible steps this year also to promote the International Yoga Day (lYD) on 21 June by carrying special features or in any other befitting manner during the period leading to the occasion”.

In a note on the Information and Broadcasting Ministry website, it has been pointed out that all TV channels, FM channels and community radio stations have contributed immensely to the cause of promotion of Yoga and International Day of Yoga in the past.

The message from the Ministry says that it has special significance for India to mark the day in a befitting manner since the genesis of Yoga is associated with this country.

The note says that the United Nations General Assembly had on 11 December 2014 declared 21 June to be celebrated as the International Yoga Day (lYD) each year, after the call in this regard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the UN General Assembly on 27 September 2O14. Modi had stated that “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition which embodies unity of mind and body that provides a holistic approach to health and well-being.”

The note said several initiatives have been taken by institutions, both public and private, to promote the cause.