International Yoga Day observed at all six divisions of Western Railway

GM Alok Kansal motivated the employees towards YOGA & becomes an exemplary role model

International Day of Yoga was celebrated on Sunday, 21st June, 2020 over Western Railway with this year’s theme – “Yoga at Home with Family” amidst the background of Corona pandemic by encouraging sessions at home or at work places by observing all protocols of social distancing. This supreme mind-body discipline and gaiety was observed at all the six Divisions, Workshop Units, Railway colonies & Railway institutes etc.

At W. Rly’s Headquarters, the event of International Yoga Day was presided over by Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Railway, who motivated the employees with his inspirational address and set an example by performing & demonstrating various Yogasanas.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, on the occasion of International Day of Yoga, GM Alok Kansal addressed the employees and encouraged them & their families to inculcate Yoga in their daily routine to boost immunity, especially in this current scenario of corona pandemic. Kansal himself performed various Yoga asanas at his residence and motivated others to follow suit too.

Speaking on this auspicious occasion Tanuja Kansal – President of Western Railway Women Welfare Organization (WRWWO) said that Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. Yoga is a very powerful tool to deal with stress of uncertainity and isolation as well as maintaining physical wellbeing during this pandemic. While sharing some of the benefits of this ancient form of exercise she gave the slogan of “Yoga – an internal & external purifier. She reminded everyone about Health is Wealth and Healthy Body and Mind is the temple of God.

Bhakar stated that Yoga sessions were also organized at all the six divisions on Western Railway, where both officers and staff participated from their homes alongwith family members in a good number. In view of International Day of Yoga, a YouTube Channel “Heal Station” in association with Western Rly’s Mumbai Division crafted a video showing how to practice “Yoga on train” while travelling on train with respect to Social Distancing and other Covid-19 protocols.
“Yoga on Wheels” is a virtual learning experience for all people who want to get the physical and mental benefits of this ancient fitness method, while travelling on the train.

Accordingly, W. Rly has sent a text message with the link of the above mentioned YouTube video to almost 13,458 passengers of 9 Mail/express trains departing today from Mumbai to various other cities. Also, special online Yoga sessions were conducted for WR’s motormen through Webex meet.

Similar Yoga programme was also organized at RPF TRAINING CENTRE at Valsad. In Ahmedabad division, more than 10,000 people which included the Officers and staff along with their family members practiced and performed Yoga & Pranayam at their homes. Yoga day was also celebrated at ADSA cricket ground, Old Railway Institute, Sabarmati and Railway Institute, Gandhidham while maintaining all social distancing norms and precautions. In Rajkot Division, more than 250 people through link & another 100 more across various stations participated in International Day of Yoga programmes. Similarly, at Vadodara division around 500 officers and staff alongwith family members participated in Yoga sessions from their homes.