Embassy of India celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga 

Today, 21st June 2024, the Embassy of India in Paramaribo celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga at the Arya Diwakar Hall in Paramaribo.   Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Dr. Dewanchandrebhose Sharman was the Chief Guest for the event.  Chairman of Arya Dewaker also graced the occasion.   

Charge d’ Affaires S. Ramji, welcoming the guests spoke about the significance of the Day and the usefulness of yoga as a means for achieving holistic health.  He encourage everyone to incorporate it into their daily routines and requested the participants to spread the message of yoga training given at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center (SVCC) under the Embassy of India in Paramaribo.  He also highlighted the theme of Yoga for 2024 which was ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.

The event featured a one-hour session of the common yoga protocol, which was skillfully demonstrated by Director (SVCC) Dr. Somveer Arya, along with Ms. Gaitrie Phagoe and Pandit Ashish Mathura. The session saw an enthusiastic participation of around 250 people from different walks of life and of all ages, keen to embrace the benefits of yoga. The Chief Guest H.E. Dr. Dew Sharman, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname in his remarks explained the meaning of Yog in Dutch and also elaborated on the ultimate stages of yogic practice. Shri Indersingh Gangabishoensingh, Chairman of Arya Dewaker also addressed the gathering and welcomed the initiative to celebrate the event at the Arya Dewaker Hall.  He also spoke about benefits and importance of Yoga and said that we should practice more for the benefit of our health. He announced that the Arya Dewaker would like to organize a yoga session once a month and requested the Embassy to collaborate.

Adding a soothing cultural touch to the event Ms Bhagwandin Shanita & Ms. Shannon Chotoe (Student of Dance School Satrangi) performed Bhartnatyam and Kathak, which greatly enhanced the overall experience. The Embassy’s celebration of the International Day of Yoga highlighted the growing popularity of yoga, fostering a sense of community and well-being among the participants.

Certificates of appreciation and thanks were handed out to the sponsors M/s Kalpataru Projects International Limited for sponsoring T-Shirts, Yogh Hospitality for sponsoring juice and water and to the yoga teachers who contributed to the success of the event.

In the run up to IDY 2024, several curtain raiser events were organized by the Embassy across Suriname with the active participation and support of numerous community organizations. The programme concluded with a Vote of thanks by Dr. Somveer Arya, Director of SVCC.

A few photographs of the event are enclosed.

Paramaribo 21 June 2024
    

  Description about Yoga

 2024 Theme: Yoga for self and society

This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.” Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being that brings peace to our hectic lives. Its power to transform is what we celebrate on this special day.

What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?

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, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Recognizing 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 practicing yoga.

The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”

The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

Bron: SVCC

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