Speeches
Speech by His Excellency Mr. Sailas Thangal, Ambassador of India at the celebration of the 08th International Day of Yoga
Posted on: June 19, 2022 | Back | Print
It is with great joy and pride that I welcome you here this morning as we celebrate the 8th International Day of Yoga. As you are aware the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014 adopted a unanimous resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
From there on the popularity of Yoga an ancient Indian tradition and a gift to the world has seen unparalleled growth in every part of the world. I am delighted to learn that there has been increasing number of Yoga Institutes in this pristinely beautiful country of Cote d’Ivoire. Yoga is not only a physical exercise where you twist, turn, stretch, and breathes in the most complex ways. These are actually only the superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul. The practice Yoga aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a ultimately leads to neutralizing ego-driven thoughts and behaviours, creating a sense of spiritual awakening.
So, practicing Yoga leads to healthy development of mind, body and soul by mastering certain yoga postures or asanas with breathing techniques. Pranayama needs special mention. It is the simplest form of yoga which teaches you how you can do wonders to your body by gaining control over your breath.
Today we are fortunate to have few leading Yoga Gurus (Instructors) in the country to lead the Yoga session. They are Ms Lena Fakhry Founder of yoga institute "Niyamas for Yogafrica" in Abidjan, Ms Leila Hassan, Ms Femanda Kanate and Ms Ghislaine Decimus Yoga Instructors (Gurus) in Abidjan.
Today’s event will event feature introduction of several yoga postures along with brief explanations about the health benefits of each one of them by our Yoga Gurus as we go along.
I also thank all Yoga Gurus for their participation and leading this event. I would also like to thank one and all for coming and joining us for our own benefits. I wish to place on record my thanks to Minister of Sports development and Sports Economy for his August presence here. I thank Indian community for their unceasing cooperation with the Embassy in its activities.
Yoga indeed has endured throughout the progress of humanity as an art and science of healthy living. I hope all of you will cherish this day and hold it close to your hearts, today and forever. Happy Yoga Day. Today is also a special day for all the fathers, I would therefore like to take this opportunity to wish a special and happy Father's day. Thank you one and all.