Yoga Promotes Both Physical, Mental Well-Being Of Humanity During Pandemic Crisis: Khan
Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the High Commission of India in Suva will be commemorating the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY) today.
The celebrations started from Saturday, June 19 with a virtual Curtain Raiser with participation of various eminent Fijian personalities, where Minister for Education, Heritage & Arts Rosy Sofia Akbar was the Chief Guest.
Ms Akbar had officially launched nine days of Yoga celebrations from June 19 – 27, for commemorating the International Day of Yoga 2021.
Acting High Commissioner of India to Fiji, Saifullah Khan said IDY 2021 celebrations were supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
He said the programme would commence with a message from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, followed by demonstrations of exercises (asanas) through Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
“On commemorating the International Day of Yoga today, we recognise the benefits of practicing Yoga for giving us not only the physical strength, but also mental balance and emotional stability to confidently negotiate the challenges before us,” he said.
IDY in Fiji
Mr Khan said IDY 2021 came at a time when the world community at large, including Fiji, continued to grapple with the unprecedented situation of COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many countries have had to impose restrictions on public and social gatherings to contain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections.”
He said the theme of this year’s IDY is “Yoga for Wellness”.
“Yesterday, the High Commission held a series of daily programmes till June 27, on local TV channels to celebrate IDY and encourage people to do yoga from comfort of their home with their family,” he said.
Pandemic
He said the pandemic-related restrictions continued in various forms in many countries and have led to increased anxiety caused by economic difficulties, fear of illness, and worry about loved ones.
“This has highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects,” he said.
He said the message of Yoga in promoting – both physical and mental wellbeing of humanity – had never been more relevant.
“More and more people around the world are embracing Yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression that has been witnessed during the pandemic,” Mr Khan said.
He said Yoga could be celebrated on a broader scale.
It could be more participative in previous years, as there was no pandemic and the whole world took part enthusiastically in the event.
Mr Khan added that at the request of the High Commission, the Government of the Republic of Nauru is holding an event today, where the President of Nauru will give his remarks.
The Republic of Kiribati is also planning to hold an event on Wednesday, June 23.