IN collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris, the High Commission of India on Sunday observed its first ever ‘International Day of Yoga’.The aim has been to promote the ancient Indian art of Yoga, which has been in silent existence for decades.

The International Day of Yoga was staged at the Kalyan Shopping Plaza on Lamaha Street, and leading personalities such as Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mr. V. Mahalingam, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, were among those attendees to the event who voiced their perspectives on the benefits of practising yoga.

In delivering remarks on behalf of President David Granger and himself, the Prime Minister said yoga is another avenue used to tackle scourges, and has been proven beneficial in solving inner social problems, such as suicidal thoughts, depression, stress and violence, among other maladies.

“Today, the world has recognised yoga as a mechanism for the discovery of inner strengths,” the Prime Minister observed. He then highlighted the phobia that is attached to yoga – religious dogma declaring that yoga belongs to a specific religion, hinting at Hinduism and Buddhism. Once this phobia is banished, the Prime Minister said, many would be able to deal with inner and social challenges by allowing yoga to become an integral part of their lives.

The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr V. Mahalingham, indicated that India is proud that the United Nations has approved the proposal of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish the ‘International Day of Yoga’.

In today’s world, he said, many follow the path of violence. As such, yoga plays a dominant role in helping persons to eradicate negative thoughts that would lead to destruction. Yoga, he said, has therefore become one of the world’s most prevalent forces of practice.

The event also saw demonstrations of ‘Raj’ Yoga by Sister Jean of the Brahma Kumaris, and lectures by Mr. Mohan Singhal, who is also from the Brahma Kumaris. These were then followed by an array of teachings of the ancient art by practitioners.

On December 11th, 2014, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved the proposal of Prime Minister Modi of India by consensus, with a record of 177 co-sponsoring countries. This served to establish the 21st June as the ‘International Day of Yoga’.

The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated in more than 190 countries by the Indian High Commissions/Embassies/Consulates, in collaboration with various institutions.

It was also celebrated at the Multipurpose Centre, Perry Bay, St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda; and at the Tiranga Restaurant, Royal St. Kitts Hotel, Frigate Bay in St. Kitts. The Indian High Commission in Georgetown and the local Brahma Kumaris collaborated with other entities to host the event on Sunday in all three counties of Guyana, in St. Kitts, and in Antigua and Barbuda. The event was a resounding success.

Yoga has become one of the world’s favourite holistic health practices, and one of the most practised forms of exercise and therapy. Globally, millions of persons practise some form of yoga in their quest for holistic health.

Swami Vivekananda is credited for introducing and creating a special place for yoga in the hearts of global citizens. He has penned books on all four forms of yoga: Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge), Raja Yoga (Yoga of Meditation) and Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion).

The ancient art and science of yoga has been practised for decades. Its origin can be traced to the Vedas written in Sanskrit language. The practise of yoga leads to the union of individual and universal consciousness. It offers immense benefits in uniting the body, mind and breath.

By Shivanie Sugrim