Celebration of International Day of Yoga-2023 in St. Kitts & Nevis
The High Commission of India accredited to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, on Saturday 17th June, 2023 organized the celebrations of 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the Nationals Heroes Park, St. Kitts.
The event was organized under IDY 2023 theme “Yoga For Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which very aptly symbolizes and beautifully captures India’s shared aspiration for “One Earth, One Family, and One Future.” This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the global celebration of yoga from the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA on June 21. The entire world will come together to celebrate this special day.
The goal of International Yoga Day 2023 is to increase awareness of yoga’s all-encompassing approach to wellness. Yoga has emerged as one of the most trusted methods of improving both physical and mental health while commemorating the values of mental and physical wellness in today’s society. The day also promotes the development of a consistent meditation routine to promote mental clarity and self-awareness, which are crucial for thriving in a stress-free environment. It encourages mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony and places emphasis on the necessity of balance in our hectic, contemporary lives. Yoga promotes stress reduction, mindfulness, and general health and vitality.
Her Excellency Marcella A. Liburd, Governor General; Hon. Samal Mojah Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives; Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps, Indian Diaspora representatives from media and members of many socio-cultural organizations graced the occasion.
Hon. Minister Duggins spoke on the unity and benefits that yoga has brought to world and the harmonious connection between our inner selves and the natural world around us. He also made remarks on the healing effects that Yoga can have on the body, mind and spirit and reiterated his commitment to promoting the holistic well-being of our nation as the Minister of Sport. The Hon’ble Minister also pledged his support to integrate yoga into the schools, community centers, and sports facilities of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Honorary Consul of India to St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Ramesh Mulkanoor led the celebration and spoke on the significance of International Day of Yoga and the awareness it brings to the world. ‘Yoga is not just a physical exercise; it is a way of life. It teaches us to live mindfully, to be fully present in each moment, and to embrace the world with an open heart. The practice of yoga extends beyond the mat and into our daily lives, influencing the way we interact with others, make choices, and contribute to the world around us. It empowers us to become agents of positive change, radiating love, kindness, and harmony wherever we go’ Mr. Mulkanoor stated in his remarks.
H.E. Dr. KJ Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India accredited to St. Kitts and Nevis, in a video message detailed the various Yoga events being conducted in India and across the world by the Government of India and Indian Embassies abroad, including the primary event being led by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to celebrate the 9th IDY 2023 and invited all participants to join future Yoga events being organized by the High Commission.
This was followed by performance of Asanas based on Common Yoga Protocol by all the invitees present at the event under the guidance of the yoga instructor.
Yoga, a gift of India to Mankind and an intrinsic part of Indian tradition and culture for holistic living, has transcended the barrier of race, religion and culture to become a global health movement. Yoga is essentially a mental and physical discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It has been the endeavour of the Government of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to promote and propagate Yoga globally so that the whole world could benefit from this traditional Indian science of mental and physical well-being. Towards this end, due to Government of India efforts United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 177 member nations of the UNGA to unanimously proclaim 21st June, which is also the Summer Solstice (the longest day in the northern-hemisphere), as the International Day of Yoga since 2015 and has special significance in many parts of the world.
