Hyd: Thousands of disabled persons participate in yoga at Kanha Shanti Vanam

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Hyderabad, June 21 (UNI) Over 3,500 persons with disabilities performed yoga and shared their valuable thoughts on yoga at the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations held at the world's largest meditation centre at Kanha Shanti Vana, the headquarters of Heartfulness, on outskirts of Hyderabad, on Saturday.
The event was organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJ&E), in association with Heartfulness and NIEPID (National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) by inviting Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from across the country cutting across various disabilities.
Chief guest Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar graced the occasion.
Public representatives from the State of Telangana and officials from the DEPwD, MSJ&E, were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Virendra said, 'It is very inspiring to watch the huge numbers of 'divyangjans' showing what resilience, determination and true inner spirit can achieve in the world. In unison, they are outshining the world because they have seen the light within. As a land of mystics, the gift of yoga to the world is not merely for physical wellbeing. It is a tool for holistic wellness – mental, emotional and spiritual as well. Over a decade now since International Yoga Day has been recognised by the United Nations, may India continue to inspire the world with its ancient wisdom for millennia to come.'
More than 3,500 Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans) from 21 categories such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotors disability, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, Thalassemia, leprosy, dwarfism, low vision, multiple disability, mental illness, muscular dystrophy, speech & language, sickle cell disease, acid attack victim, specific learning disability, multiple sclerosis, haemophilia & Perkinson's disease showcased their inner strength and resilience by performing yoga at Kanha Wellness Centre at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
The event is followed by cultural programmes (performed by the Divyangjans) display of publications, art gallery, free distribution of machinery by DEPwD to parents of PwIDs, donation of block-printing material to RCs and CRCs, parent training programme, and more.
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