Speech on International Day of Yoga 2020 on 20.06.2020

Excellencies, Friends,

Good Evening,

I am delighted to welcome you all to this very special celebration of International Day of Yoga in Oman. On behalf of the Government of India and Embassy of India in Oman, I thank you all for joining us.

Yoga is a gift of India to the world but it has now been embraced by all and has thus become a common heritage. Yoga connects body, mind and soul. Its health and spiritual benefits are well recognized. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated all over the world in more than 180 countries.

In Oman, Yoga has become immensely popular which is also reflected in the manner in which International Day of Yoga is celebrated in Oman. Last year, as those of you who participated in the celebration would recall, we had more than 6000 persons of different nationalities – Indians, Omanis and other expatriates – gathered to celebrate and practice Yoga under one roof in Oman Convention and Exhibition Center. It was one of the largest single location gatherings outside India.

This year, due to COVID restrictions, we are celebrating this occasion in a different manner - on online platforms. However, COVID has not diminished our enthusiasm or reach. Rather, it has made yoga even more popular.

Yoga and Ayurveda have become more relevant than ever before as they boost immunity as well as mental strength. They help us stay strong in these challenging time.

Further, this year, we are doing Yoga with our families, including young children. This year the theme of International Day of Yoga is “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family”.

The Embassy of India has organized a series of events in association with various yoga organizations in the run up to today’s celebration. I would like to thank all the yoga organizations for their initiatives and support. I would also like to thank all the yoga enthusiasts who have actively participated in these events.

The Government of India has also launched a video blogging contest My Life-My Yoga under which entries can be submitted in six different categories. There are country level as well as global prizes. We have seen good participation so far from Oman. I encourage all yoga enthusiasts to come forward and submit their entries.

We have received messages of greetings on this special occasion from a number of dignitaries from all walks of life including my fellow Ambassadors. We have done a short compilation of these messages which we will be showing now. We thank all those who have sent their good wishes.

I would like to conclude by quoting the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “The way to lead a calm, creative and content life is Yoga. It can show the way in defeating tensions and mindless anxiety. Instead of dividing, Yoga unites. Instead of furthering animosity, Yoga assimilates. Instead of increasing suffering, Yoga heals”. Let us all embrace Yoga and inspire everyone to have a healthy lifestyle.

Thank you.