Latest news with #Kirtan
India.com
21-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
From Beijing To Shanghai, Several Chinese Cities Celebrate International Day of Yoga
Crowds of yoga participants in various cities across China participated in the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations, highlighting the worldwide appeal of India's message of well-being. In Beijing, hundreds unrolled their mats to practice yoga, celebrating IDY with a beautiful 'Kirtan' and the energising Common Yoga Protocol at the Old Chancery complex. "A guided meditation helped participants centre themselves and experience calm. The experience was elevated with a graceful performance blending yoga with the grace of Odissi! The crowd was also spellbound by the advanced yoga demonstrations," the Embassy of India in Beijing posted on X. The Consulate General of India in Shanghai hosted its flagship celebration of the IDY, featuring yoga demonstrations, interactive sessions, and cultural activities. It also witnessed participation from a diverse audience of diplomats, yoga enthusiasts, and community members. Indian Consul General in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, highlighted the event's significance, calling it a testament to the widespread appeal of Indian civilisation and culture. In his welcome remarks, Mathur said, "This flagship celebration is the culmination of a long series of events across Eastern China, including Hangzhou, Wuxi and Suzhou, organised in collaboration with Indian diaspora communities, global MNCs, and Buddhist monasteries, a testament to the wide cross-sectional appeal of yoga and Indian civilisation." The Consul General also emphasised yoga's universal appeal, particularly in the context of the 75th year of India-China diplomatic relations, fostering harmony and health across communities. "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, and harmony between man and nature," he added, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who championed the establishment of IDY at the United Nations. Mathur also paid tributes to the victims of the recent Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad. "Our hearts are heavy with this tragedy. In such moments, yoga's teachings of resilience, mindfulness, and inner peace offer a profound source of comfort and strength," he said. United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, also attended the event as the Chief Guest. Addressing the event, Chatterjee commended Prime Minister Modi's leadership in globalising yoga and his role in building a more connected world. Praising yoga's alignment with global well-being and unity, he said, "As a yoga practitioner, I deeply value its transformative power to foster resilience and peace. This event reflects the shared commitment of India and the United Nations to promote health and harmony, strengthening the bonds between nations." The event capped a series of IDY celebrations across Eastern China, showcasing yoga's broad appeal through partnerships with diverse stakeholders. The Indian Consulate General extended its heartfelt gratitude to Chatterjee and all participants for making the event a resounding success. Additionally, an event was also held on the banks of the majestic Pearl River in Guangzhou and saw the enthusiastic participation of over 300 yoga enthusiasts. Shambhu Hakki, the Indian Consul General in Guangzhou, also participated in the Yoga Day celebrations. In his address, he highlighted the growing popularity of yoga in South China and its significance in strengthening the cultural ties between India and China.
The Star
29-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sikhs mark 25 years of Punjabi education
Mohd Azam (second from right) presenting a long-service award to Guru Nanak Institution principal Phajan Kaur Mahinder Singh. Looking on are Jaginder (left) and Kuldip. Mother tongue education is an integral part of a community's identity and keeps members connected to their roots. This year, Sikhs nationwide are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Khalsa Diwan Malaysia's (KDM) Punjabi education programme. Set up by the Sikh non-governmental organisation in 2001, the initiative was prompted by a decline in the number of students pursuing Punjabi language as a subject in public examinations like Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). KDM deputy president Dr Kuldip Kaur said the decline led to concerted efforts aimed at reviving Punjabi classes and ensuring it remains a primary language for members of the community. In 2001, eight Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) were set up in Ipoh, Taiping, Batu Gajah, Kampar and Sitiawan in Perak; Butterworth and Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang and Kota Baru in Kelantan. Presently, KDM runs 36 PECs in 11 states with a total annual enrolment of about 1,800 students. In tandem, the number of candidates for the SPM Punjabi language paper has increased, with an average of 50 students taking it every year. KDM president Jaginder Singh said that as the oldest Sikh organisation in Malaysia, it is proud to have played a role in preserving, promoting and developing the Punjabi language. He shared that in the 2023 SPM examination, students who sat for the Punjabi language paper scored 100% passes, while in 2024, 98.2% passes were recorded. Annually, more than half of the students taking the paper have obtained excellent results (A+, A or A-). Kuldip, who is also the organising chairperson of the 25th anniversary celebrations, said various events were held to bring together stakeholders and well-wishers who had contributed to the programme's success. The celebrations kicked off on May 1 with a thanksgiving event at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul in Kuala Lumpur, where students from 15 PECs sang Kirtan (Sikh hymns). All participating PEC students received certificates of appreciation and gifts. On May 2, a symposium on innovations in Punjabi language education was held at Kelab Aman in Kuala Lumpur where teachers shared advanced techniques for teaching Punjabi and Sikhism. The event was attended by about 140 PEC teachers and administrators. The next day, trainers from Asia Pacific University (APU) led a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-enhanced learning. More than 70 Punjabi teachers learnt techniques for assessment skills and building student support systems. A dinner to celebrate the silver jubilee was held on May 3 at Royal Lake Club in Kuala Lumpur. Education deputy director-general (professionalism development sector) Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad represented Minister Fadhlina Sidek at the event. Mohd Azam presented long service awards to 18 teachers who had served 25 years in PECs, and to 60 teachers and administrators who had served between 20 and 24 years. In his speech, Jaginder said the Federal Government had approved RM265,000 for PEC activities this year, with several state governments also extending financial support. He thanked Education Ministry for continuing to offer the Punjabi language as a subject for the Academic Session Final Test (UASA) in Forms 1, 2 and 3, as well as at SPM level. Jaginder also extended gratitude to the Indian government for the Grant in Aid to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies (GIA) in support of KDM activities. Also present at the dinner were Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy as well as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's special officer Shanmugam Mookan.
