Indian Embassy Hosts Grand International Yoga Day Celebration

The yoga session was led by trained instructors from the International Yoga Club in Riyadh and organized by Ritu Yadav. Around 600 individuals took part in the celebrations at Al-Mahdi Park. In addition to yoga sessions, dance academies performed yoga-themed dances as part of the festivities. The chief guest for the event was Padma Shri awardee Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra, the chancellor of Svyasa University. Dr. Manjunath Sharma, the university's vice-chancellor and director of research, also showed up to the event.

The International Day of Yoga was designated by the United Nations on December 11, 2014, with June 21 chosen as the annual date for celebration. Ambassador Khan emphasized that yoga, an ancient practice originating from India, has gained popularity worldwide and encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The embassy's yoga session aimed to promote the holistic exercise as a beneficial practice for health and well-being.

The theory of yoga, according to Ambassador Khan, has had an impact on a number of facets of Indian society, including health, medicine, education, and the arts. The practice of yoga focuses on the integration of the mind, body, and soul to enhance overall well-being. He acknowledged that yoga already has a following in the Gulf area, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it has been embraced as a sport as part of the Vision 2023 holistic health initiative. In June 2021, India and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding on working together in the yoga field.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their support in organizing the event, particularly acknowledging the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Mahdi Park authorities, and the Saudi Yoga Committee.

The yoga session at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh showcased the significance of yoga as a global practice and fostered a sense of unity and well-being among participants from different backgrounds. It exemplified the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia to promote and embrace yoga as a valuable tool for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.