The Indian Embassy in the US organised a yoga session in Washington, DC, ahead of the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga. The session, held on Thursday at The Wharf, saw a large number of participants.
Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador at the Indian Embassy in the US, emphasised India’s pivotal role in promoting yoga globally.
“India has played a significant role in bringing yoga to the center stage, taking it to the UN, and creating a day for recognizing the power of yoga and its contemporary value in our lives,” she stated.
Since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated worldwide on June 21. Ranganathan highlighted yoga’s ancient roots and its modern-day relevance.
“It’s an ancient wellness tradition that dates back 5,000 to 6,000 years, yet it remains incredibly current,” she said.
Ranganathan talked about the the increasing recognition of yoga’s benefits, highlighting its integration into families, communities, and institutions.
“There is a much greater appreciation for yoga now. It has become a part of every family, community, and institution, helping members deal with today’s challenges,” she said.
Ranganathan also pointed out that young people and students are increasingly involved in yoga, viewing it as a holistic tradition. She observed that wherever she goes in the US, she sees young people, especially college students, very involved in yoga. Initially, they see it as a physical fitness tradition, but they quickly understand its wholesome and holistic nature.
This year, the embassy has partnered with many organizations across the US, making the celebration nearly a month-long event.
“We have partnered with numerous organizations around the country. What we are doing in DC is being mirrored by our consulates across the country. We have significantly expanded our outreach, making this a month-long celebration. It’s not just a day, but the entire month where we are bringing yoga to the forefront in our community outreach,” she explained.
One participant, Michael, expressed his excitement about celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga, describing it as a great celebration of community and culture.
“Yoga signifies bringing your body and mind to peace with the world around you. As we heard earlier today, this is something much needed today. I am happy to be here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga. Hopefully, we can use this to bring more peace and harmony among us,” Michael said.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” underscores the dual role of yoga in fostering both individual and societal well-being.