Latest news with #11thInternationalYogaDay
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Yoga event gains entry into Malaysia Book of Records
SERDANG: The Sakthi School of Yoga held its 11th International Yoga Day (IDY) event on Saturday, that brought together culture, tradition and wellness at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang. Led by its founder master S.K. Durai, the event attracted 6,098 attendees from Malaysia, India and Singapore – underscoring the growing global resonance of yoga and the expanding international presence of the school. With a total of 5,368 active participants, the group gained entry into the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the largest yoga session. The activities opened with a cultural showcase featuring urumee melam (a traditional Indian folk drum ensemble), mayilattam (peacock dance), karagattam (a folk balancing dance) and a silambam martial arts demonstration. The yoga session that followed was a multi-generational showcase of spirit and discipline. Children delivered high-energy performances, while senior citizens inspired the crowd with grace and determination. A key highlight was the Sakthi Kriya session, a spiritual practice led by Durai designed to awaken and channel inner energy. Among the segments at the event was a pregnancy yoga performance, showcasing strength and emotional resilience. This was followed by a Ramayana themed presentation, blending classical Indian storytelling with yoga choreography. Behind the scenes, a 130-member team of teachers and students ensured the event ran smoothly, from registration to stage management, demonstrating unity, coordination and commitment. 'This event has offered not just a platform to showcase skill and dedication but a deeper opportunity to connect with the inner self and with others through the universal path of yoga,' said Durai. IDY is observed globally on June 21, following a 2014 resolution by the United Nations recognising the role of yoga in promoting physical and mental health. More than 1,200 participants gathered at Batu Caves for a parallel IDY event the same day. According to Bernama, it was jointly organised by the High Commission of India and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre, in collaboration with several Malaysian partner organisations. It was held under the global theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. 'There is growing popularity of yoga in Malaysia across the age groups and its wider integration into wellness, physical as well as mental health programmes,' said High Commissioner of India to Malaysia B.N. Reddy in a statement. The event was also attended by Youth and Sports Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr K. Nagulendran. Trained instructors led a 40-minute yoga session based on the Common Yoga Protocol, that included a demonstration of yoga asanas (postures).
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Diplomats from 25 nations join Yoga Day celebrations in Rishikesh
The visiting dignitaries also attended the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, where they were warmly welcomed by members of the Ganga Sabha. HARIDWAR: Ambassadors and high commissioners from over 25 countries participated in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh on Saturday. The event highlighted this year's global theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' underscoring India's message of universal harmony and well-being. Ashram president Swami Chidanand Saraswati, addressing the gathering, said the theme reflected the Indian ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world as one family. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, also speaking at the event, highlighted yoga's transformative potential beyond physical health. 'It is not just a physical practice, but a way of life that harmonises the body, mind, and soul, and helps us remain calm under all circumstances,' she said. Meanwhile, a separate delegation of diplomats from eight countries participated in Yoga Day events held in Gairsain and later held discussions with senior state govt officials in Haridwar on tourism, culture, and investment. The delegates expressed keen interest in investing in different sectors across Uttarakhand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The visiting dignitaries also attended the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, where they were warmly welcomed by members of the Ganga Sabha. Several diplomats shared their emotional responses to the spiritual experience. A representative from Fiji, speaking in Hindi, highlighted the 140-year-old historical and cultural bond between his country and India. Sri Lanka's envoy, a Buddhist, recalled ties between the two nations dating back to the Ramayana era and hinted at future collaboration in tourism. The Russian diplomat praised the state govt for organising the programme. "It gave us an opportunity to know about the state's rituals, spirituality, yoga, and Ayurveda. Attending the aarti was an overwhelming experience," she said. The meeting with delegates was attended by senior state officials including – Vinai Ruhela, vice-president of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), culture secretary Sachin Kurvey, tourism secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal, and additional secretary Ayush Vijai Kumar Jogdande. During presentations, Kurvey showcased the state's infrastructural growth and tourism potential, while industries director GM Chandola outlined the govt's industry-friendly policies and investment opportunities in Uttarakhand.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Yoga promotion shouldn't be seen as boosting Hindutva agenda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, said—perhaps too optimistically—that yoga has the potential to ensure peace in a 'conflict-ridden' world. Describing yoga as the 'pause button' humanity desperately needs, he urged the world to embrace 'Yoga for Humanity 2.0'—a vision where inner peace becomes the foundation for global peace. The theme for this year's International Yoga Day—Yoga for One Earth, One Health—was especially apt in a world recovering from the shocks of a global pandemic, grappling with environmental degradation, and suffering from geopolitical instability. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, also present at the event, highlighted the scale and success of Yoga Day. He credited Modi with making yoga a truly global movement, noting that the practice is now being celebrated in over 175 countries, across 12 lakh locations, with participation from more than 10 crore people. This scale reflects how yoga has transformed from a personal wellness routine to a symbol of collective global consciousness. Indeed, Modi's role in promoting yoga on the world stage has been commendable. From securing June 21 as the UN-recognized International Day of Yoga in 2014 to encouraging mass participation across countries and cultures, he has helped reposition yoga as a universal tool for well-being. What was once primarily associated with Indian spirituality is now embraced by millions globally as a secular, health-enhancing practice. The fact that yoga has found resonance in countries as diverse as the United States, France, Indonesia and Kenya speaks volumes about its adaptability and timeless appeal. However, two important considerations must temper this inspiring narrative. First, while yoga is undeniably beneficial, it is only one component of a healthy lifestyle. The Indian government should now broaden its focus and include the entire spectrum of wellness-related activities. This includes promoting regular physical exercise of all types, balanced diets, access to clean and nutritious food, and mental health care. Initiatives such as 'Fit India' and 'Eat Right' campaigns are a step in this direction but need far more robust implementation and integration with the yoga movement. True national health cannot be achieved through yoga alone—it requires a multi-pronged and inclusive strategy. Second, there remains a concern regarding the cultural and political subtext that sometimes accompanies the promotion of yoga in India. It is a well-known fact that yoga is not just a set of exercises; it is also deeply rooted in the cultural legacy of Hinduism. While it is important to acknowledge yoga's origins, there is a fine line between celebrating heritage and using it to promote a particular political agenda. Ideally, the government must ensure that yoga remains an inclusive, apolitical health initiative, free of religious or ideological overtones. But ideals are regarded as unwanted aliens in the realm of realpolitik. The International Yoga Day has grown into a global celebration of physical and mental well-being, largely due to Modi's diplomatic and cultural outreach. His call for using yoga to build peace is noble and timely. However, for this vision to be fully realised, it must be accompanied by a broader, more inclusive health agenda and a clear separation between cultural pride and political messaging. Only then can yoga become a true symbol of universal harmony and healing.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Prizes for yoga, drawing awarded to students
Winners of the yoga and drawing competitions, organised jointly by the Sarvodaya Trust Freedom Fighters Association, Krishna-NTR District Yogasana Sports Association and Dream Young and Children's Arts Academy on June 19, were felicitated on Sunday. The prize distribution ceremony for the winners was held at the Sarvodaya Trust Freedom Fighters Association building as part of the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations. More than 150 students from various schools participated in the yoga competitions, while around 600 students took part in the drawing competitions. Prizes were awarded to 100 deserving students. N. Balaswamy, TDP Floor leader and Corporator, presented merit certificates to students who excelled in both yoga and drawing competitions. Sarvodaya Trust president G.V. Mohan Prasad, its secretary M. Venkateswara Rao, Dream Young and Children's Arts Academy V. Ramesh, and Krishna-NTR District Yogasana Sports Association secretary L. Muralikrishna attended the event. eom
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Uttarakhand gets state's first ‘yoga policy', CM Dhami announces ‘spiritual economic zones'
On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially launched the state's first-ever Yoga Policy from Bhararisain, the state's summer capital. He declared, 'Uttarakhand will be developed as the global capital of yoga and wellness.' While delivering his message 'Yoga in Every Home, Health for Every Person,' Dhami spoke of the Central Government's support in the initiative and announced the establishment of a 'Spiritual Economic Zones' in Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. These zones will reportedly be developed as international hubs of ayurveda, yoga, and spiritual tourism, and will also facilitate employment in the state, helping to curb migration from the hill regions. By March 2026, yoga services will be ensured at all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers, and by 2030, five new yoga hubs will be developed across the state, Dhami said. Under the new policy, establishment of yoga and meditation centers will be eligible for up to Rs 20 lakh in subsidies, and research related to yoga and naturopathy will be granted up to Rs 10 lakhs. Dhami said, 'Yoga is not just exercise; it is a philosophy of life that has united the world beyond caste, religion, and borders. It has become the most powerful bridge of global unity and humanity.' Among the dignitaries attending the event were Cabinet Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Ambassador of Mexico to India Federico Salas, Ambassador of Nepal Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, and diplomats from six countries – Fiji, Mongolia, Russia, Latvia, Sri Lanka, and Suriname. Before the event, the Chief Minister conversed with the youth and urged them to make yoga a part of their daily routine and move toward a healthier life. While noting the pivotal role of Bhararisain in yoga, spirituality, and policy-making, he described the location as a center of Uttarakhand's cultural heritage and natural beauty.
