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India Gazette
02-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"It felt like meeting family": Indian Diaspora in Ghana shares emotional moments after meeting PM Modi
Accra [Ghana], July 3 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana has struck a deeply personal chord with the Indian diaspora, many of whom gathered in Accra to welcome him with cultural performances and heartfelt messages. For those who met him, the experience was more than a diplomatic occasion; it was emotional, familiar, and unforgettable. Speaking to ANI, Gaurav Sharda, a member of the Indian community in Ghana, described the moment in deeply emotional terms. 'It felt as if we were meeting a member of our family whom we had lost touch with. Indian diaspora has gathered here to meet PM Modi, it reflects a unique culture. It shows as if there is India within Ghana. It felt great.' 'I was so happy. I was so excited. I had goosebumps. It felt amazing. He was watching us dance,' said Saanvi Adhikari, a young performer who was part of a cultural presentation staged in Modi's honour. Ankur, a volunteer from the Art of Living foundation, said, 'I feel so good because he reflects the spirit of One World Family. That is what India is about. The whole world is together here.' PM Modi arrived in Accra on Wednesday on his State Visit to Ghana and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama came to the airport to receive PM Modi. The gesture is reflective of the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two nations. On his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was greeted with cheers, chants, and a cultural display by members of the Indian diaspora. They were present in large numbers outside the hotel to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to PM Modi. 'Gladdened by the incredible warmth shown by the Indian community here in Accra, Ghana. The spirit of togetherness and the deep cultural linkages are truly wonderful,' PM Modi wrote on X, after he received a warm welcome from the Indian community. 'PM @narendramodi arrived in Accra, Ghana, a short while ago, marking the start of a historic visit. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. In a gracious and warm gesture, President @JDMahama personally received PM Modi at the airport, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations,' the Prime Minister's office wrote on X. As PM Modi stepped out of his vehicle, the crowd erupted in applause. Many reached out to shake his hand or catch a glimpse of the leader. Prime Minister's visit to Ghana is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in the last three decades. This historic visit would further deepen the partnership between India and Ghana, and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and Global South Partners. (ANI)
Times of Oman
23-06-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Indian Embassy in Berlin celebrates International Yoga Day with unique yacht session on Wannsee lake
Berlin: The Embassy of India in Berlin, in collaboration with The Tagore Cultural Centre, marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with a distinctive yoga session held aboard yachts on the scenic Wannsee Lake. The event, organised on Saturday, June 21, the International Day of Yoga, brought together members of the diplomatic corps and yoga enthusiasts. It offered a serene and immersive experience that highlighted this year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, Yoga for One Health." In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Berlin detailed the unique celebration, stating, "Embassy of India in Berlin and The Tagore Centre celebrated 11th International Day of Yoga #IDY2025 with a one-of-a-kind experience in Berlin -- a Yoga session aboard yachts sailing on scenic Wannsee Lake. With instructors from @ArtofLivingDEU, the session brought together members of diplomatic corps and yoga aficionados. The gentle sway of the yacht mirrored the flow of Asanas, culminating with immersive meditation on water. Yoga for One Earth. Yoga for One Health." Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Sri Lanka, and the Indian Embassies in Riyadh, Russia, and Tokyo enthusiastically celebrated the day. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, with the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." This theme echoes the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, hailing yoga as a gift "beyond age" that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in "health and harmony". The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government and extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for hosting the event in Visakhapatnam. Recognising its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
International Yoga Day observed in Japan's Toyota City
Bhubaneswar: As India celebrated the International Day of Yoga on Saturday, over 6,000 km away, many Indians and Japanese came together in Japan's Toyota for a three-hour event at the Takahashi Community Centre, featuring an hour of yoga, 25 minutes of pranayama and guided meditation, and 10 minutes of stretching accompanied by music. "We started with the standard yoga protocol designed by the Indian govt, which all teachers are expected to follow. The aim is to make yoga accessible to everyone," said Nivedita Sahu, a yoga instructor. After the yoga session, Japanese artistes performed an Indian semi-classical dance. Their graceful movements to the chant 'Asato Ma Sad Gamaya' and a soulful Rabindranath Tagore song showed their respect for and understanding of Indian culture. Shomon Akita, a Buddhist monk from Guzeiin Temple in Toyota, explained the essence of the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. He also shared insights on the shloka 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah', emphasising universal well-being and compassion. A thoughtful and informative presentation by Subha Kokuba Chakraborty highlighted the cultural similarities between India and Japan, exploring shared values such as discipline, inner peace and reverence for tradition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo She also led the energetic 'stretch with music' session. There was also a sari-draping session. The event concluded with the singing of India's national anthem. A separate yoga session was also organised by the Indian embassy in Tokyo. The Indian High Commission in Wellington organised 30 yoga-related events across New Zealand, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Among them a session was held in the New Zealand Parliament (Beehive) in Wellington on June 16 in collaboration with the United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNANZ) and Art of Living. Another programme was organised on HCI premises on June 21 in collaboration with Heartfulness NZ, Art of Living, and Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh. "I went for both the programmes because I like to attend celebrations of Indian culture," said Animesh Panda, secretary of New Zealand Odia Society.
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Yoga transforms rural Gadag
GADAG: Leaving home is a rite of passage. And it is not easy to return. This is the story of youngsters everywhere. Lohit Kasar (38), an engineer and yoga trainer from Gadag, is on a mission — his message is simple: stay rooted, stay calm; jobs are where you are. Lohit's key tool kit is yoga. He conducts free yoga and meditation classes and spreads awareness on the pitfalls of migration mostly in rural parts of Gadag. Lohit has been encouraging youths to take up agriculture in a big way and the asanas are an aid to stay focused. Lohit went to Bengaluru like other engineering graduates, but was attracted towards yoga after he came in contact with some of the staff of the Art of Living organisation. He joined the Youth Leadership and Training programme and started teaching yoga for free in his spare time. Now Lohit has given free yoga training programmes in nearly 200 villages of Gadag district and given free Sudarshan Kriya, Meditation, Pranayam and yogasana sessions in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Chikmagalur, Haveri and other places. Lohit has been interested in yoga while studying 6th standard and joined classes in his school days at Gadag. While he was studying engineering, he saw many youths from North Karnataka who come from rural areas to work for less salaries even though they have agriculture land and employment opportunities in their native places. After engineering, Lohit started his own consulting solution firm. He wanted to visit villages and create awareness about migration and teach yoga. He approached various gram panchayats and took permissions and organised a series of yoga classes and awareness sessions. The migration awareness programmes along with yoga sessions have opened up new paths for several youths who used to work in Bengaluru and other cities. Mallikarjun Shigli, one of the youths who attended Lohit's sessions, has started sandalwood cultivation in his village. Gangadhar Hiremath, another youth, started selling cow dung dhoophas and other products.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Green Park to host Int'l Yoga Day today
Kanpur: The famous Green Park stadium is prepared to host the 11th on Saturday whose theme is 'One earth, One health'. Around ten thousand citizens are expected to participate in yoga practices at Green Park. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though the yoga practices are scheduled to commence from 7 am, the public entry will start from 5.30 am. The chief guest and special guest are scheduled to arrive at the stadium around 6 am. The youth and children participating in the programme will receive a certificate from the district administration. Public presence will be registered by scanning the QR code at the gate. The two gates of the stadium will be opened for the entry. General public's entry will be from gate no. 2 and chief guests and special guests, including VIPs would enter the stadium from the VIP gallery. Stage and platforms have been raised for performers and instructors. A group of yoga performers of Art of Living would present advanced asanas on music. Yoga mats have been arranged for the guests and public.
