Ahead of the annual celebration of International Yoga Day 2024 on 21 June, several countries worldwide have already commenced their celebrations commemorating the ancient Indian practice of healthy living. The theme of International Yoga Day 2024 is “Women’s Empowerment”, which highlights the transformative power of Yoga in boosting women’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Prime Minister Modi’s Message
On 11 June 2024, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of Yoga in improving one’s state of being and its role in bringing countries together. Highlighting the pan-cultural embracement of Yoga, he said, “In ten days from now, the world will mark the 10th International Day of Yoga, celebrating a timeless practice that celebrates oneness and harmony. Yoga has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, uniting millions across the globe in the pursuit of holistic well-being.” He added, “it is essential to reiterate our commitment to making Yoga an integral part of our lives and also encouraging others to make it a part of theirs.” To encourage all to make yoga a daily practice, he released several videos where PM Modi was seen demonstrating important Yoga postures like ‘Vrikshasana’ or the tree pose, ‘Tadasana’ or the palm tree posture, and ‘Trikonasana’ or the triangular pose.
Worldwide Celebrations
Indian Embassies worldwide have been commemorating the occasion in their respective countries for a long time. This year, several Embassies have begun their celebrations. On 7 June, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, organised a Yoga Session on the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple to celebrate the upcoming 10th anniversary of International Day of Yoga. Honouring this year’s theme of Women’s Empowerment, the Embassy also organised a lecture and demonstration on the health benefits of Yoga for women and girls in Maiti Nepal, an anti-human-trafficking organisation.
The Consulate General of India, San Francisco, the USA, expressed its plans to organise events all over San Francisco under its jurisdiction, with assistance from local authorities and Indian associations. As a curtain-raiser, a virtual event was held in collaboration with The Art of Living on 7 June. Experienced trainers led Yoga sessions, and there were discussions on the benefits of Yoga for women’s empowerment, followed by cultural performances.
The Embassy of India in Turkmenistan organised an open Yoga class at the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone on 12 June. The Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, Ms. Madhumita Hazariki Bhagat, attended the session with adults, teenagers, and children. She noted that events are held every year in commemoration of the day. She added that the Embassy would organise an open Yoga lesson this year in the “Olympic Village” of Ashgabat on 21 June.
On 12 June, the Indian Consulate in Dubai held a panel discussion titled ‘Yoga with AYUSH: Empowering Women’s Health’. The Consul General of India in Dubai, Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan, announced that the annual celebration of International Yoga Day will take place on 22 June. He appreciated the ‘Women’s Empowerment’ theme and declared that women will take centre stage in this year’s celebrations.
The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom organised a Yoga session in Trafalgar Square, London on 16 June. It witnessed the participation of 700 Yoga enthusiasts who persisted despite the rains. The Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, noted that this year, more yoga schools and a greater variety of communities participated.
The United Nations had declared 21 June as International Yoga Day in 2014. Since 2015, several countries have been diligently commemorating the occasion.
