Phnom Penh: 21 June 2025 In celebration of International Yoga Day, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia, supported by the Minister of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry of Rural Development & the President of the Cambodia-India Alumni Association, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, and sponsorships, proudly joins millions around the globe to promote the timeless practice of yoga as a path to inner peace, physical health, and community well-being.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the power of yoga to bring balance to individuals while nurturing compassion, unity, and resilience in society. From sunrise sessions to community workshops, events are taking place in front of Bottumvatey Monastery to mark the occasion.
H.E. Mr. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of the Embassy of India to Cambodia, described how yoga originated in India, but today it has transcended societies and geographies. It has become a part of everyday life for many people across the world. Recognising its significance, the UN designated 21 June as International Yoga Day in 2014. To mark the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day in the run-up to today’s event, the Embassy, in partnership with various organizations, has organized 12 yoga events.
One of the things that we hope to achieve in Cambodia is also to popularise and spread the message about the usefulness of yoga to improve both our mental and physical health and to enable us to live in harmony with nature and our surroundings. We are also trying to create awareness about various facets of Cambodia through these yoga events.
“The theme for this year, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, amplifies the interconnection between our earth and each of our individual’s health. Yoga strengthens the body, calms the mind, and fosters a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility in daily life. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles, which will in turn contribute to the health.” Ambassador said.
H.E. Mr. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, said that the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Republic of India officially established diplomatic relations in 1952; however, the cultural and historical ties span more than a millennium. The organization of the 11th International Day of Yoga today is a clear reflection of the deep commitment of both governments, particularly the strong cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and the Embassy of the Republic of India in strengthening and expanding the bonds of friendship between our two nations.
“I firmly believe that through the joint organization of various events between Cambodia and India under the framework of the Cambodia–India Tourism Year 2025, we will be able to widely promote the rich cultures, civilizations, traditions, cuisines, and diverse tourism potentials of both nations. These efforts will contribute significantly to strengthening the bonds of friendship, advancing tourism and trade, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and India.” H.E. Mr. HUOT Hak said.
H.E. HAB Touch, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said during the 11th International Yoga Day the ministry supports and joins in celebrating International Yoga Day to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and encourage Cambodians to participate in practicing yoga to make it part of their daily routine for the benefit of themselves, society, and a healthy and peaceful world.
“I would like to express my gratitude and high appreciation to the Embassy of India in Cambodia for always co-organizing the International Yoga Day event every year in Phnom Penh and in the Angkor region of Siem Reap, which is an important event that contributes to strengthening and expanding friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, especially promoting cooperation in the cultural sector and promoting Cambodia’s potential cultural tourism areas to the world,” H.E. HAB Touch said.
H.E. Bou-Chum Serey, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, addresses on behalf of His Excellency Academician Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Minister, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports. He would like to express appreciation to the leadership of the Embassy of India in Cambodia for their efforts in organizing International Yoga Day every year in Cambodia. In 2025, the International Yoga Day will be celebrated in front of Botumvatey Monastery in Phnom Penh under the theme “Yoga: One Earth, One Health.”
“Nowadays, yoga has become a scientific method that can heal the mental and physical health of humanity. The goal of yoga is to make the entire world one, meaning that the soul of the world, Brahman, is one.” H.E. Bou-Chum Serey said.
“Since our country has a history of contact with Indian culture and civilization, practicing yoga according to the Vedic scriptures is similar to meditation or Vipassana in Buddhism, the only difference being the method of practice and the religious method of practice.” He added.
According to the United Nations Resolution No. A | RES | 69 | 131 dated December 11, 2014, which received broad support from all 177 member countries, June 21st of each year was designated as the International Day of Yoga, and it is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere of our planet.
Photo by: Supplied
