2Nd International Day of Yoga Celebrations By

2 nd International Day of Yoga Celebrations by High Commission of India, London

The High Commission of India and the Government of India Tourist Office in London, in collaboration with 17 British yoga institutions (British Wheel of Yoga, Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust, The Art of Living Foundation, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindu Sevika Samiti, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Brahma Kumaris, Isha Foundation, Datta Sahaj Yoga Mission UK, Heartfulness, Coolherbals, Chi Kri, The World Yoga Festival, Special Yoga Foundation, SKY Trust UK) organised International Day of Yoga at the Potters Fields Park (near Tower Bridge), London on 19 June (Sunday) from 0830 – 1730 hrs. The day-long event saw over 10,000 people from all walks of life participating in various yoga and meditation sessions.

Special messages for the occasion from the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, were screened at the event. Ms. Priti Patel, Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Employment and UK Prime Minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion, sent a message congratulating the Indian High Commission. Lord Ranbir Singh Suri and Member of Parliament Mr. Bob Blackman also attended the event and recognised Prime Minister Modi’s initiative of bringing Indian yoga to the world stage as never before.

While inaugurating the event, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, H.E. Navtej Sarna welcomed the participants and emphasised, that the International Day of Yoga on 21 June is just a day to remind the world of India’s gift of yoga to the world and that it is for each individual to benefit from the practice of Yoga throughout the year, indeed throughout their lives The Kensington Palace tweeted a message of congratulations to the High Commission of India on the successful celebrations in London of the second International Day of Yoga.

Celebrations continued on Monday 20th June in collaboration with Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. Guests and members of the High Commission took part in unique yoga classes aboard the M.V. Avontuur, which started from Westminster pier. As the vessel sailed past London’s most iconic sites, yoga instructors brought a sense of harmony to central London for 90 minutes. On Tuesday 21 June, the High Commission and Government of India Tourist Office organised various yoga sessions in collaboration with different British yoga institutions. More than 300 participants attended these sessions ranging from sunrise meditation to headstand on the 69th and 72nd floor of the tallest building of Western Europe, The Shard. The highlight of the day was the breath-taking views over Britain’s capital city, creating a perfect backdrop for the free yoga demonstrations.

The celebrations culminated with lighting of lamp by High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner followed by a yoga session by members of the High Commission at India House.

21 June 2016