Latest news with #HighCommissionofIndia
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
India urges Pakistan to expedite release and repatriation of Indian prisoners, including fishermen
New Delhi: India on Tuesday called for an early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, including fishermen along with their boats and missing Indian defence personnel, from Pakistan's custody. As both countries exchanged - through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad - the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentence. Such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and on July 1 under the provisions of the 2008 bilateral agreement on Consular Access. "In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India," read a statement issued by the MEA. India has shared names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian. New Delhi also asserted that it remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country. "In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India's custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan," the statement added. It added further that, as a result of sustained efforts by the government, as many as 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date. The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that it attaches the highest priority to the welfare, safety and security of Indian prisoners. As soon as cases of apprehension of Indian prisoners by Pakistan are reported, immediate steps are taken by the Indian Mission in Islamabad towards seeking consular access from the Pakistan government. During Consular Access, officials from the High Commission of India visit the Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails to ascertain their well-being and distribute daily-use welfare items. All possible assistance, including legal assistance, is extended to the Indian prisoners.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
UK: Over 1,000 devotees join Rath Yatra celebrations; Indian Deputy High Commissioner performs Chhera Paharna ritual
London [UK], June 30 (ANI): Over a thousand devotees gathered in Slough, United Kingdom, to take part in the grand Rath Yatra celebrations, the High Commission of India said on Monday. India's Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Sujit Ghosh, participated in the celebrations, which were organised by the Shree Jagannatha Society UK. In a significant moment during the event, Sujit Ghosh performed the sacred 'Chhera Paharna' ritual--one of the most important customs of the Rath Yatra. The ritual, which involves sweeping the chariot before the deities, symbolises humility and equality before God. The High Commission wrote on X, 'DHC @sujitjoyghosh participated in the Grand Ratha Yatra in Slough, organised by @JagannathaUK. He performed the sacred Chhera Paharna ritual. Over 1,000 devotees joined the celebrations.' The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also called the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a significant event for Hindus. The Yatra began on June 27 in Puri, Odisha and is scheduled to conclude on July 1, with Lord Jagannath returning to the Jagannath temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra on Friday. Taking to his official 'X' handle, PM Modi wished for everyone's 'happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health.' 'On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival of faith and devotion bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone's life. Jai Jagannath!', PM Modi's 'X' post read. Rath Yatra, one of the most celebrated festivals in the Vaishnav tradition, marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath from his temple to his aunt's house (Gundicha Temple), symbolising his outreach to bless all devotees. During the annual Rath Yatra, a massive crowd of devotees pull the holy chariots of the three deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Shubhadra, which are taken to the Gundicha Temple, a short distance from the Jagannath Temple. The three deities spend a week at the Gundicha Temple before returning to Jagannath Temple. The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced on Friday in Odisha's Puri, with thousands of devotees pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The event was marked by chanting, drumbeats, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual fervour. The Yatra will conclude on July 1, with Lord Jagannath returning to the Jagannath temple. (ANI)
IOL News
23-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Peace and Unity in the Cold: 600 Gather for 11th International Day of Yoga at Union Buildings
International Day of Yoga will be observed on Saturday. Image: Supplied Hundreds of people, ranging in age from 3 to 70 and representing diverse communities—including foreigners and diplomats — gathered in the Union Buildings gardens on a chilly morning to practice yoga together. The event united individuals from all walks of life in a shared commitment to wellness, mindfulness, and community spirit. The High Commission of India warmly invited the public to join the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025, held at the South Lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This significant day fosters unity, health, and empowerment through the ancient practice of yoga. The buildup to the event began with the International Day of Yoga Curtain Raiser, organised at India House on 21 May 2025. Attendees included members of the International Diplomatic Spouses Association, representatives of various yoga institutes, and the Indian diaspora. In a conversation about the event, Bev Naude, a passionate yogi from Pretoria, shared her long-standing involvement. 'I have been practising yoga for 60 years in total,' she said. 'I have participated in every International Day of Yoga since its inception in 2015, starting with our first event at the 7th of March Hall in Laudium.' Bev, who serves on the organising committee, is also the founder and coordinator of the Tshwane Yoga Festival, created to complement the International Day of Yoga, which falls in the South African winter. 'Two years ago, I suggested holding the festival in summer or spring to make it more accessible, and that idea was well received,' she explained. Now in its third year, the festival has become very successful, held at the University Campus in the east. Bev works closely with the High Commission of India on International Day of Yoga events, corporate functions, and the Tshwane Yoga Festival. She expressed her honour to be part of this year's celebration, noting her deep connections within Pretoria's yoga community and mentoring younger yogis such as Tamara. After the yoga session, participants were treated to snacks, drinks, and traditional Indian masala tea. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The gathering concluded with a group photo taken against the iconic backdrop of the Union Buildings. Among the sponsors supporting the event were Manzarali, Virgin Active, Taj Cape Town, Tata, and Mahindra Rise, whose contributions helped make the celebration possible. 'As our Prime Minister, Hon. Narendra Modi, said yesterday on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga — 'Yoga is the pause button our humanity needs to breathe, to balance, and to become whole again.'' quoted Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India to South Africa, while addressing hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. The High Commissioner emphasised that yoga, which unites body and mind, is now a global practice that fosters compassion, balance, and harmony — qualities that proved especially vital during the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, India launched the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative, supplying life-saving vaccines and medicines to 150 countries in the spirit of Vasudev Kutumbakam — the world is one family.'We celebrated the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga in South Africa, with an enthusiastic crowd of over 600 people gathering in front of the iconic Union Buildings. ''We had a wonderful yoga session, and everyone who participated was deeply engaged and appreciative, especially on this cold winter morning,' said Banu Prakash, Deputy High Commissioner of India in Pretoria. 'Yoga, as you know, is India's gift to the world, and its growing popularity globally is reflected here as well. The fact that this is the 11th consecutive year of celebration in South Africa is a testament to yoga's rising embrace in the country.
Canada News.Net
22-06-2025
- Health
- Canada News.Net
India Canada Organisation hosts Yoga Day celebration in Montreal with support from Indian High Commission
Montreal [Canada], June 22 (ANI): The India Canada Organisation in Montreal, with the support of the High Commission of India in Ottawa, organised a yoga session to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. The event, which took place on Friday, June 20, held in Montreal, Quebec, saw enthusiastic participation from the local community, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in Canada. Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik expressed gratitude to the attendees for their participation and provided insights into this year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, Yoga for One Health.' 'India Canada Organisation, Montreal, supported by High Commission of India in Ottawa, organised a Yoga session on June 20 in Montreal, Quebec. AHC Chinmoy Naik thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and elaborated on the theme of #IDY2025,' the High Commission of India in Ottawa stated in the post on X. 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, Berlin 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.
Canada Standard
22-06-2025
- Health
- Canada Standard
India Canada Organisation hosts Yoga Day celebration in Montreal with support from Indian High Commission
Montreal [Canada], June 22 (ANI): The India Canada Organisation in Montreal, with the support of the High Commission of India in Ottawa, organised a yoga session to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. The event, which took place on Friday, June 20, held in Montreal, Quebec, saw enthusiastic participation from the local community, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in Canada. Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik expressed gratitude to the attendees for their participation and provided insights into this year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, Yoga for One Health.' 'India Canada Organisation, Montreal, supported by High Commission of India in Ottawa, organised a Yoga session on June 20 in Montreal, Quebec. AHC Chinmoy Naik thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and elaborated on the theme of #IDY2025,' the High Commission of India in Ottawa stated in the post on X. 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, Berlin 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. Today, it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. (ANI)
