Kolkata

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday said the state government would explore the possibility of introducing daily yoga sessions in schools, asserting that such practices are essential for the physical and mental well-being of students.

Participating in a yoga session with school students in Kolkata, she said yoga helps improve concentration.

"Yoga is not a one-day affair. We will seek the permission of the chief minister to introduce a yoga session in schools. When students enter schools, the first half an hour can be allotted to yoga. Children are the future of West Bengal and the country. It is important that they remain healthy," Paul said ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21.

The yoga programme on Wednesday, organised with the support of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, saw participation of students from six schools. State health minister Sharadwat Mukherjee was also present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on June 20 to participate in West Bengal Day celebrations, and will also join the International Yoga Day programme here the next day.

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Paul said a series of activities had been planned in the run-up to the June 21 yoga event, including cleanliness drives involving students, senior citizens and the public.