By NewsGram Staff Writer

All the universities have been asked by the Grants Commission (UGC) to observe International Yoga Day on June 21, an official statement said

The idea of declaring an International Yoga Day was formally proposed by the prime minister in his maiden address to the 69th UN General Assembly on September 27, the UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day, an official statement said on Monday. Jaspal S. Sandhu said in a circular issued on Monday.

In order to give "practical effect" to the resolution, Sandhu's letter to the universities said the first International Yoga Day should be commemorated in a befitting manner.

"You are requested to kindly observe International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2015 in your esteemed university and colleges affiliated to your university," the letter said.

"You may also ensure that the promotional films and other Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material on yoga should be distributed," it added.