The schools have been asked to create awareness among their students of the importance of yoga in both physical and mental development. Since it will be rainy season by the time the schools reopen, individual institutions can check and decide when and how to hold the celebration.

The education department has formed a 24-member committee to organise the celebration of Yoga Day in state schools on June 21. City school principals have welcomed the move by hailing it as the need of the hour.

Soon after schools across the state reopen after the summer vacation, they will have to plan to celebrate the Yoga Day with their students. The schools have been asked to create awareness among their students of the importance of yoga in both physical and mental development. Since it will be rainy season by the time the schools reopen, individual institutions can check and decide when and how to hold the celebration.

Prashant Redij, spokesperson for Maharashtra Principals Association, said, "Earlier also, we had written to the previous government to organise yoga workshops for physical training teachers. However, our proposal fell on deaf ears. We are happy that this government is taking this initiative. Even though the celebration is falling on a Sunday, we will call all students and celebrate the day. Though we have been giving yoga lessons to students during PT periods, it is good that the government has come out with proper guidelines."

Echoing the sentiments of Redij, Fr Micheal Pinto, principal of St John the Baptist High School and Junior College, said, "It is a good move. Nowadays children are very hyper and aggressive, so, yoga sessions will definitely prove beneficial to them."