Mysuru: In order to spread the message of Yoga, which is a way of life that dates back to the ancient culture and tradition of India, the Karnataka State Tourism Department is planning to set up Yoga Training Centres at all places of tourist importance in the State, said Tourism and Sericulture Minister S.R. Mahesh.

He was addressing the media after participating in the fourth International Yoga Day celebrations at the Mysore Race Course, here yesterday and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his call “Illness to Wellness” has spread the message of Yoga across the world and was instrumental in dedicating June 21 as International Day of Yoga.

“Every day we work for others. Due to mechanical life and pressure of work, there are possibilities of developing health problems. Instead of trying to fight the diseases, it is better to prevent it by practicing Yoga regularly. In the light of this, the Tourism Department has planned setting up of Yoga Centres in all the tourist places,” he said.

The purpose of these Centres are to highlight the importance of Yoga to foreign visitors and the tourists who are not aware of the immense benefit of Yoga in daily life, he said. “The Tourism Department has sanctioned Rs.20 lakh for the Yoga Day programme held at the Race Course and thus encouraging the Yoga practitioners. Next year, Yoga Day will be celebrated in a grand manner,” he added.