New Delhi, May 18 (IANS): The UGC has directed all universities to organise a demonstration by yoga practitioners, an exhibition on yoga postures and an online competition on the occasion of International Day of Yoga on June 21.

University Grants Commission (UGC) secretary, Jaspal S. Sandhu, in a letter to the vice chancellors of all state/deemed/private universities has directed them to observe the International Day of Yoga in a "befitting manner" and listed activities to be held during the celebration.

In the directive Sandhu has suggested: "In the morning a demo by yoga practitioners may be organised on Yoga Day. The willing students and faculties of the universities may practice yoga as shown by the practitioners.

"The other students/faculties may, however, observe the same."

He also said the best participants of the yoga session may be awarded prizes and certificates at a function to be organised on that day.

Sandhu also said that an exhibition on yogic postures may be organised, for which banners may be displayed for awareness on the campus.

"Online essay competition may be organised and the best students may be awarded with prizes and certificates."

"Accordingly, you are requested to kindly observe the International Day of Yoga on June 21 by adopting the above mentioned activities in your esteemed university and affiliated colleges and send action taken to UGC by email (ugc.yoga@gmail.com)," the directive says.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution last year to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 every year.