Ambassador’s remarks on the International Day of Yoga 2024 in Hanoi
Xin Chao, Namaskar, Good evening!
This year is the tenth International Day of Yoga, a decade since the proclamation by the United Nations of 21 June as the Yoga Day by consensus, resolution co-sponsored by Vietnam. This venue Quan Ngua Sports Complex hosted the first Yoga Day in 2015 & we are glad that it is hosting the tenth one also. I thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi City Provincial People’s Committee, Vietnam Yoga Federation, Dan Tri and all others for their support for today’s event.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice drawn from Sanskrit word “union” signifying unity between a person’s body and mind (or consciousness); between man and nature. Physically, yoga enhances: strength with flexibility of body parts, improved functioning of nervous system and blood circulation. Its breathing and meditation techniques strengthen coordination between mind (thought) and body (action), improves consciousness, mindfulness and overall well-being. Yoga enables an individual to connect to his or her environment more thoughtfully, and thus become a positive energy in the world.
In 2014, United Nations recognized yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being and the dissemination of benefits of practicing yoga as contribution to the health of the world population. I appreciate you all for taking up this call to mark the Yoga Day here today.
The wide interest across Vietnam in Yoga is heartening and I believe that it links with strong belief in health and exercising emphasized by President Ho Chi Minh. Yoga Day events are taking place in at least 40 provinces this year. Indian cultural Centre, SVCC located opposite the Embassy in Hoan Kiem district in Hanoi holds daily hour-long classes of yoga open for all. There are degree courses available on yoga, some with scholarships by the Government of India for those interested in yoga as a profession (vocation).
The Indian Government has given the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ stressing its role for individuals and for communities, and Yoga as a bridge between individual & society. Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi in his message to Vietnam’s Prime Minister, H.E. Pham Minh Chinh has appreciated Vietnam’s enthusiastic contribution towards promoting Yoga. He also wished ‘May Yoga bring humanity together, for our health & well-being, and for a greener planet’. Alongside yoga event, we planted a tree in the premises of Quan Ngua complex to emphasize the importance of harmony with nature-campaign called Plant4Mother as Earth is seen as mother in our system and nature/trees help preserve mother.
I wish you all: peace and harmony within and a healthy lifestyle with yoga.
Thank you, Xin Cam on
