Commonwealth and Global Partners Celebrate 10th International Day of Yoga in London
The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the Indian High Commission in the UK and Heartfulness Worldwide, organized a special yoga session at Marlborough House to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga on Saturday.
Event Highlights
Members of the diplomatic community participated in the yoga session. The event is part of the global Yoga 4 Unity initiative, which emphasizes the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Messages from Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video message, stating, “The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us realize that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us.”
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC also shared a video message, highlighting yoga as a tool for self-examination and a healthier, balanced life. She said, “Our work is full of challenges, and none of us can pour from an empty cup. Yoga offers us a special avenue for self-examination and the pursuit of a healthier, more balanced life.”
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized the holistic benefits of yoga, saying, “Yoga fosters physical and mental well-being holistically, transcending boundaries and uniting people worldwide.”
Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji) of Heartfulness Worldwide described yoga as a complete science that transforms individuals, providing confidence, clarity of mind, and happiness.
Exhibition and Activities
Attendees participated in a yoga and meditation session guided by experienced instructors and viewed an exhibition titled “A History of Yoga and its Benefits,” showcasing the rich heritage of yoga.
Significance of the Event
The 10th International Day of Yoga coincides with the Commonwealth Year of Youth, highlighting the importance of health and development among young people. The Commonwealth Secretariat aims to foster resilience, reduce anxiety, and support the well-being of over 1.5 billion youth across member states through practices like yoga.
Namibia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Linda Scott, noted the ancient origins of yoga in India and its current global practice, encouraging attendees to incorporate yoga into their daily lives.
Future Initiatives
The Commonwealth is preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Paris this July. Initiatives like the Commonwealth Moves programme emphasize the importance of sports and physical activities for well-being.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The United Nations adopted a resolution proposed by India in December 2014 to celebrate this day, which is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated globally, raising awareness about the benefits of yoga.
Prime Minister Modi led the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday. He has led the celebrations at various iconic locations since 2015, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York.