The Embassy of India in Hanoi, in collaboration with the Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Hanoi’s Peoples’ Committee organized a Yoga event in Hanoi on June 18 in the run-up to the 9th International Day of Yoga-2023.
The resolution moved by Indian Prime Minister Modi in September 2014 at UN General Assembly (UNGA) to declare the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in recognition of Yogas’ health benefits for the world get the resounding support of 177 member countries including Vietnam. Subsequently, the UNGA in December 2014 declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga to promote healthy living and well-being around the world.
Indian grammy award winner Ricky Kej on Monday said Yoga has gained strong prominence across the world because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts.
"Yoga has gained strong prominence worldwide because of PM Modi. This year, Yoga Day at the United Nations headquarters in New York will be extra special because PM Modi is leading everyone. I am thrilled to attend World Yoga Day tomorrow," Mr Kej told ANI.
Mr Kej also expressed his views on PM Modi's first official visit to the US and said, "It's amazing to see these two world leaders coming together in a spirit of friendship, making the world a better place. India is taking leadership in areas such as climate change, environmental awareness, and international treaties & bonds between countries. India is no longer sitting on the sidelines and is considered the leader of the Global South. The world will benefit from this meeting. It's beneficial for the United States to have a leader like PM Modi visit and have dialogues of partnership with the honourable President of America."
After celebrating Yoga Day celebrations at the UN headquarter, PM Modi will visit Washington where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22 and meet President Biden to continue their high-level dialogue.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a State Dinner in honour of the Prime Minister the same evening, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The PM will also address a Joint Sitting of the US Congress on June 22.
"And India is not just participating, but India is taking leadership. India is considered nowadays the leader of the Global South. And so I think it is very, very beneficial for the United States to actually have a leader like Prime Minister Modi come and to have these dialogues of partnership," he added.
Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya said that Yoga is an ancient Indian practice drawn from Sanskrit word “union” signifying unity between a person’s body, mind (or consciousness) and surrounding (nature). It has been recognized by the United Nations as a holistic approach to health and well-being.
According to the Ambassador, the government of India has given the theme for IDY this year as: Yoga for world as one family, drawn from old Indian scriptures saying “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
The wide interest across Vietnam in Yoga is heartening and links with strong belief in health and exercising that was also emphasized by President Ho Chi Minh. IDY events are taking place in at least 35 provinces this year.
