On 21 June 2021, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh celebrated the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2021. 21st June was recognized as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 at the initiative of Indian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi. Yoga is an invaluable gift from ancient Indian tradition for healthy living that leads to perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature, individual consciousness, and universal consciousness. Since 2015, IDY has been an occasion that is observed around the world with great enthusiasm and fervor.
The International Day of Yoga serves the purpose of highlighting the immense potential of Yoga to enhance the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of well-being through Yoga for the entire humanity. Hon’ble Prime Minister in his message on the 7th IDY 2021 emphasized the holistic nature of Yoga in bringing positivity in life and also improving physical & mental health, especially in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring social distancing norms and health protocols, the participation of yoga enthusiasts and the public was encouraged by the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh from their respective homes. Under the theme of “Be With Yoga Be At Home” various online activities such as online Yoga sessions, quiz competitions, Yoga webinars, Yoga photo competitions,s, etc. were organized.
Several other Yoga events were organized by the Embassy, starting with curtain raiser yoga sessions in the Embassy premises on 17-18 June 2021, which saw participation from the Embassy officials and Local Yoga professionals & instructors. The main event on 21 June 2021 was held on the lawns of Sofitel hotel, Phnom Penh, and was graced by Ambassadors & Diplomatic officials accredited to Cambodia from the Czech Republic, Australia, Timor Leste, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Cuba, and President of India-Cambodia Alumni Association and representatives from Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports, the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Ambassador Dr. Devyani Khobragade, while noting that, this year’s IDY could not be held jointly along with the Royal Government of Cambodia, she extended her gratitude to various Ministries for supporting the IDY in the last six years. She thanked all participating Ambassadors for their support in propagating the valuable gift of Yoga depicting the Indian philosophy of health and spirituality in their own countries as well as in Cambodia. On this occasion, Ambassador announced free online and regular Yoga classes for all ages in times to come. Ambassador also distributed certificates of appreciation for all the winners of various online competitions and presented souvenirs to the participating dignitaries and the media. She also highlighted the importance of an Ayurvedic diet through the presentation of a holistic Ayurvedic breakfast following the yoga session.
Source: Embassy of India, Phnom Penh
