NCERT to release book on yoga on June 21

New Delhi: Preparing to join the yoga day celebration, NCERT has prepared a textbook on yoga for upper primary classes to be released on June 21.

The textbooks intend to teach history, theory and practice of yoga and could be made compulsory as part of health and physical education. The books also include specific guidelines related to yogic practices (asanas, pranayamas, kriyas and meditation).

There is also brief description of each yogic posture followed by a description of steps or stages for practice, sources said.

In his foreword, NCERT's officiating director BK Tripathi has said "the material is explained in simple language and also profusely illustrative so that students can learn and practise it even at home.

Teachers are also expected to learn the "asanas listed in the syllabus after some initial training in yogasanas". There is also a brief description of each yogic posture followed by a description of steps or stages for practice.

The relase of the book comes as the Ministry seeks to join a host of other ministries and bodies to celebrate the international yoga day on June 21.

UGC has already sent communications to all universtities regarding observance of the day and sending back the action taken report about celebrations in the campuses.

A common yoga protocol has also been issued by the Ministry to be followed on the day.

The NCERT textbook also focusses on Surya Namaskar as part of yogic practice for personality development.