Speech of the Ambassador
at the IDY event at Brazzaville on 22 June 2025
--

• Mme Belinda Ayessa, Dir Gen of the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial
• My fellow colleagues from the diplomatic corps
• Mr. P.S. Daswani, the Hon. Consul General of India
• My colleagues from the Indian Embassy
• Dear Yoga enthusiasts, Ladies and Gentlemen

Bonjour, Namaste, Good Morning!

         First of all, I must thank each and every one of you for making it here early in the morning, that too on a Sunday!

2. We celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga yesterday.  Indian Prime Minister Modi’s vision to promote Yoga has been warmly welcomed the world over. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and to promote its practice worldwide. Yoga simply means to connect and it is wonderful to see how yoga has connected the whole world. 

3. When we look back at the journey of yoga over the past decade, we remember many things. The day when India proposed in the United Nations that 21st June be recognised as International Yoga Day and then in the shortest time 175 countries of the world stood with our proposal. Such solidarity and support are not a common occurrence in today's world. This was not just support for a proposal, it was a collective effort of the world for the good of humanity. 

4. Today, after 11 years, we see that yoga has become a part of the lifestyle of millions of people around the world. Yoga is not only a physical exercise and bending one’s body as normally is a perception.  It is a holistic approach to live a healthy, happy and contented life.  Yoga is for your body, mind and the soul. Yoga belongs to all, and is for all. Yoga is beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or ability.

5. Yoga is a low-impact exercise for the people of all ages and fitness levels and does not require any expensive equipment.  It is an affordable and accessible way to improve physical and mental health.  Once can practice Yoga exercises anywhere and at any time.  You just need a Yoga Mat, small space and regular practice – initially under a trained Yoga Teacher and then you can do it by yourself.  

6. The theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. This theme reflects a deep truth. The health of every entity on Earth is interconnected.  Human well-being depends on the health of the soil that grows our food, on the rivers that give us water, on the health of the animals that share our eco-systems, on the plants that nourish us. Initially we learn to take good care of our own health and wellness. Gradually, our care and concern extend to our environment, society and planet.  

7. Yoga is a great personal discipline. It is a system that takes us from ‘Me’ to ‘We’.  This sentiment of ‘Me to We’ is the essence of the soul of India. When a person thinks about the society above his own interests, only then the entire humanity is benefited. Indian culture teaches us, सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, that means – “the welfare of all is my duty”. This journey from ‘Me’ to ‘We’ is the basis of service, dedication and co-existence. This thinking promotes social harmony.

8. Let us make Yoga a mass movement. A movement that takes the world towards peace, health and harmony. Where every person starts the day with yoga and finds balance in life. Where every society is connected to yoga and is free from stress. Where yoga becomes a medium to bind humanity together. And where 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' becomes a global resolution.  Let us pledge to make Yoga a part of our daily routine and to spread its message to others.  Let us unite in the spirit of yoga and promote its practice for the betterment of ourselves and the society at large.

9. I take this opportunity to THANK Mme Belinda Ayessa, her team, Mrs. Naina Nankani-the Yoga Teacher and the sponsors who partnered with the Indian Embassy in organising today’s event at this iconic Memorial. 

10. I am sure, we all are going to have an energizing and a very relaxing Yoga Session here today.  

Thank you!