Washington DC: The Indian embassy in the US organized a yoga session at The Wharf in Washington DC, ahead of the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga.
On Thursday, numerous people participated in the yoga session, which was led by Sripriya Ranganathan, deputy ambassador at the Indian embassy. Ranganathan emphasized the pivotal role India has played in promoting yoga globally.
"The role that India has played in bringing yoga to the center stage, taking it to the UN and making it a day when we come together to recognize the power of yoga and its contemporary relevance, is significant," she said.
Since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21. Ranganathan highlighted the ancient roots of yoga and its enduring relevance in modern times.
"It's an ancient tradition. It's a wellness tradition that goes back 5000, 6000 years, but it remains so current," she added.
Ranganathan noted that yoga has gained greater recognition for its value, becoming integrated into families, communities, and institutions.
"There is far more appreciation of the value of yoga. It has become a part of every family, every community, every institution, helping members deal with the challenges we face today," she told ANI.
She observed that even young people and students are increasingly embracing yoga as a holistic tradition.
"I see wherever I go in the US, young people, students, particularly college kids, are very involved in this. Initially, they see it as a physical fitness tradition, but they quickly recognize its holistic benefits," she said.
This year, the Indian embassy has partnered with numerous organizations across the US, extending the celebration of yoga throughout the month.
"We've partnered with many organizations around the country. This is what we are doing in DC. Our consulates are doing similar activities around the country. We've really reached out and made this almost a month-long celebration," she explained.
Michael, one of the participants at the yoga session, expressed his enthusiasm for the 10th International Day of Yoga.
"I think yoga really signifies bringing your body and mind at peace with the world around you. And as we heard earlier today, I think that is something that is most needed today. So again, happy to be here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga and hopefully, we can use this as a way to bring about more peace and harmony between us," Michael shared.
This year's theme, "Yoga for Self and Society," underscores the dual role of yoga in promoting individual and societal well-being.
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