Embassy of India

Antananarivo, Madagascar

MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO MADAGASCAR AND COMOROS ON THE 6^TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

 

Honorable President of the Republic of Madagascar H.E. Andry Nirina Rajoelina,

 

Honorable President of the Union of Comoros H.E. Azali Assoumani

 

Senior dignitaries from the Malagasy and Comorian Governments,

 

Ambassadors, Heads of International & Regional Organisations,

 

All members of the Indian community, and

 

My dear Malagasy and Comorian friends.

 

Today, I would like to extend my warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.  

This is the 6^th year of celebrations since the UNGA passed a Resolution in December 2014 declaring 21^st June as the International Day of Yoga. Madagascar and Comoros were the co-sponsors of the Resolution. The reason 177 countries co-sponsored the Resolution reflected the fact that a significant majority of the nations in the world recognise the significance of Yoga in the well-being of the body, mind and soul, and in ensuring harmony with nature and with one’s surroundings. Yoga is not just a physical exercise. The science of yoga actually helps unleash the limitless potential of the human mind and body. It is a way of life. Yoga is a practice that originated in ancient India. With the declaration of the International Day of Yoga and millions of people practicing and celebrating Yoga each year, it has become a global phenomenon. Yoga has endeared itself to millions of followers all over the globe due to its immense health and other benefits. In fact, it has become an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and well-being of the society and nature.

 

One of the ties that binds our countries together, and brings the peoples closer is Yoga. Embassy of India has been working with a number of yoga teachers and has collaborated with them in different phases of Yoga Day celebrations in these five years. This year we all are facing an unprecedented health emergency. Every nation is trying to the best of its capacity to control the spread of Corona virus. During such testing times when social distancing is a prerequisite in ensuring once safety, the Yoga day could not be celebrated collectively. So this year we decided to celebrate the International Day of Yoga from our homes. Practicing yogic asanas and engaging oneself in Yoga related activities formed a crucial part of this year’s Yoga Day celebrations.

 

Embassy of India also organised live yoga sessions on the Embassy Facebook page led by local Yoga schools during 4 days from 18 to 21 June. In these sessions expert Yoga practitioners told us about the benefits of Yoga and explained the different aspects of Yogic asanas. These sessions offered an opportunity to the people to practice Yoga while being at our homes. Yoga is a vibrant and timeless tradition which will continue to bind us all in the spirit of living healthy, productive and peaceful lifestyles.

 

I would like to congratulate every one of you once again on this occasion and wish you a happy and healthy life and believe that you will make Yoga an integral part of your daily lives.

 

 

Abhay Kumar

Ambassador of India to Madagascar and Comoros.