President of India Receives First Copy of Yoga Manual in Braille

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of ‘Yogikasparsh’, a Yoga Manual in Braille written by Smt. Nivedita Joshi at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan today (June 8, 2015). The President received the Manual from Shri Subhash Kashyap, former Secretary General of Lok Sabha who formally released it.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Yoga is an art, science and philosophy. It helps to join the powers of body, mind and soul for achieving self-realization. It is perhaps only yoga that provides the complete answer to a person’s physical, mental, moral and spiritual well-being. Modern medical science has validated that the practice of yoga not only reduces stress but has multiple long lasting beneficial effects. Yogic discipline not only helps control the wavering mind but also inspires the pursuit of excellence.

The President said that the publication of a Yoga manual in Braille is a welcome pioneering step in the right direction. The Yoga manual in Braille prepared by a young teacher of Yoga, Smt. Nivedita Joshi in association with scientists at the IIT Delhi showcases the bright spark of creativity among our youth and the impressive innovative talent of our technologists. It also bears powerful testimony to the indomitable spirit of the differently abled.

The President said that the Government of India has encouraged researches in yoga and established well equipped centres for instruction in Yoga.He was delighted that June 21 has also recently been declared as the International Day of Yogaby the United Nations General Assembly. He said that he was confident that this would help popularise Yoga globally and enable people to benefit from this priceless Indian heritage.

This release issued at 1400 hrs.