Phnom Penh: The 12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated on the morning of Sunday, 21 June, at the Techo Meas Techo Yort Park in Phnom Penh. The event, which was organised by the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, witnessed large-scale participation of yoga enthusiasts.
Underlining the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga – “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” – Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung said that the theme is a timely reminder to societies around the world of the need to promote holistic well-being and to adopt yoga as a means to achieve improved quality of life across all age groups.
“It also reflects the growing universal recognition of yoga’s transformative potential to deliver physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The ambassador noted that while yoga originated in ancient India as a holistic discipline that unites body and mind, man and nature, yoga has transcended societies and geographies, and today it has become a global movement as it is embraced across continents as a trusted pathway to healthy and active living. ” the ambassador said.
The event, which saw the participation of young yoga enthusiasts, including school students, yoga practitioners, government officials and members of the public, was also graced by the presence of senior government functionaries and representatives from ministries, government organisations and private yoga organisations. It may be recalled that a major event to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga was held in Siem Reap on 19 June with the participation of H.E. Huot Hak, minister of tourism, as chief guest.
This year, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, in association with various ministries and government departments, universities and yoga institutions, has organised more than 12 yoga events across various locations in Cambodia in the run-up to the 12th International Day of Yoga. The enthusiastic participation of yoga practitioners in these events reflects the growing popularity of yoga in Cambodia as a means to achieve a healthy and balanced life.
In 2014, on India’s initiative and with the support of 177 countries, the United Nations had adopted a resolution declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. For the last 12 years, the International Day of Yoga celebrations have been organised globally every year, including in Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
