The Indian Embassy in the US organized a yoga session in Washington, DC, ahead of the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga. The event took place on Thursday at The Wharf, drawing a large number of participants.
Sripriya Ranganathan, the Deputy Ambassador at the Indian Embassy in the US, emphasized India’s pivotal role in promoting yoga globally. She highlighted how India brought yoga to the international stage, leading to the United Nations recognizing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga since 2015.
#WATCH | The US: The Indian Embassy organised a Yoga session in Washington, DC ahead of International Day of Yoga. A large number of people participated in the Yoga session at The Wharf in Washington, DC. pic.twitter.com/geMdiH00YQ
— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2024
Ranganathan spoke about the ancient roots of yoga, tracing back 5000 to 6000 years, and how it remains relevant today. She noted, “It’s an ancient tradition. It’s a wellness tradition that goes back 5000, 6000 years, but it remains so current.”
The Deputy Ambassador stressed that there is now greater appreciation for the value of yoga. She mentioned that yoga has become integral to families, communities, and institutions, helping people cope with modern-day challenges.
Ranganathan pointed out that young people and students in the US are increasingly engaging with yoga. Initially drawn to its physical fitness benefits, many soon appreciate its holistic and wholesome aspects. She observed, “I see wherever I go in the US that young people, students, particularly kids in college, are very involved in this.”
This year, the Indian Embassy partnered with numerous organizations across the US to extend the celebrations beyond just one day. Ranganathan explained, “We have really been able to reach out so much more and make this almost a month-long celebration. It’s not just the day, but it’s the entire month.”
One of the participants, Michael, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He described yoga as a means to achieve peace and harmony, both personally and globally. Michael said, “Yoga really signifies bringing your body and mind at peace with the world around you. And as we heard earlier today, I think that that is something that is most needed today.”
The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Self and Society,” which underscores yoga’s dual role in fostering individual well-being and societal harmony. This theme highlights how yoga can contribute to both personal growth and community cohesion.
The yoga session at The Wharf in Washington, DC, exemplified the growing global influence of yoga and its importance in today’s world. Through events like this, the Indian Embassy aims to continue spreading the benefits of yoga, promoting wellness and peace on a broader scale.
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