iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
To mark the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2024, and promote awareness about the health benefits of the traditional Indian practice, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, is organizing Yoga Events in various cities under its consular jurisdiction in collaboration with local authorities and Indian associations. These events aims to provide participants the opportunity to experience yoga’s holistic benefits and celebrate this ancient practice.
This year’s theme, “Women’s Empowerment”, highlights yoga’s transformative power in enhancing women’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Yoga is a five-thousand-year-old tradition from ancient India. It harmonizes the body, mind, and nature through physical, mental, and spiritual pursuits. Recognizing its global health benefits, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga following a call by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014.
“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,” Modi said in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.
The UN website states: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, has already hosted a virtual kickoff event in collaboration with The Art of Living on June 7th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM Pacific Time.
The yoga sessions will be led by experienced instructors. Additionally, discussions on yoga’s benefits for women’s empowerment and cultural performances will also be held.
“The Consulate General of India, San Francisco, warmly invites everyone to join these events and experience yoga’s myriad benefits. These celebrations aim to unite diverse communities and promote harmony and well-being,” an official news release from the Consulate General stated.