Pune's Yoga Institute bags award

The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute of Pune has been chosen as the first recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for outstanding contribution to promotion and development of yoga.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of AYUSH, the decision has been made by a screening and evaluation committee for the awards that were initiated in 2016.

The selection was done from among 85 nominations received and 15 more recommended by the screening committee.

On the occasion of the 2nd International Day of Yoga celebrations at Chandigarh on June 21, 2016, the Prime Minister had announced the institution of awards for the promotion and development of yoga.

The Jury chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, with the Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, Secretary (AYUSH) and Veerendra Heggade as members, examined the recommendations of the Screening Committee and also made its own analysis of the contributions made by the institutions and individuals shortlisted.

After considering all relevant facts and other inputs, the Jury recommended that the award for the current year be given to Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune.