Hanoi (VNA) – Events run by the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to mark the 8th International Day of Yoga 2022 (June 21), themed ‘Yoga for Humani😼ty’, are set to take place nationwide, heard at a press conference in Hanoi on June 13.

Introducing the massive celebration, Indian Ambassador Pranay Verma affirmed Vietnam has always been an important partner of India in promoting and celebrating International Yoga Day since it was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

The widespread love for Yoga in Vietnam has brought about a strong cultural connection and people-to-people exchange between the two countries, he said. According to the diplomat, the celebration was kicked off on May 29 with an event held at Tam Chuc pagoda in the northern province of Ha Nam. Yoga events have also been scheduled to take place in many places throughout the nation, including Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, and Quang Ninh in the north; Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, and Da Nang in the central region; Dak Nong and Dak Lak in the Central Highlands; Ho Chi Minh City in the South; and Can Tho, Tien Giang, Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta, among many other localities. In the capital city, International Yoga Day will be marked on June 18 at Ly Thai To statue square in Hoan Kiem district. Verma said in 2022, Vietnam was selected by the Government of India as one of the countries included in the Global Yoga Ring programme. Under the programme, India's national television Doordarshan will broadcast live in India the International Yoga Day celebrations around the world. Serving the broadcast, the Indian Embassy has worked with Quang Ninh for the organisation of a grand event in Ha Long Bay. Around 2,000 yoga practitioners are expected to join the event held in Quang Ninh province, the Ambassador added. 

At the press conference, the diplomat also read a letter sent to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. In the letter, Modi highlighted his gratitude for the Vietnamese Government’s support toward the celebration over the years as well as his hope for such assistance in the coming time.

Yoga is a unique contribution of ancient Indian civilisation’s practices to the modern world. The word ‘Yoga’ literally means ‘to unite’. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; and harmony between humankind and nature. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being.

With the conviction that Yoga could unite humankind worldwide, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, proposed declaring an International Day of Yoga during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27 2014.

Soon afterwards, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly, by consensus, declared June 21 to be celebrated as International Day of Yoga every year. The declaration showcased the immense popularity of Yoga worldwide and the universal acknowledgement of its benefits.

Since then, the Embassy of India has been organising International Yoga Day celebrations in Vietnam in close cooperation with local governments and various socio-cultural organisations.

International Yoga Day celebrations this year have an added significance. This year, India is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence, known as “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. At the same time, India and Vietnam are marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

International Yoga Day theme this year is “Yoga for Humanity”. In the present time, when people all around the world are adapting their lives to the new reality of a pandemic, Yoga has become even more relevant by helping millions across the globe maintain a healthy regimen and boosting immunity and a sense of balance during these extraordinary times.

For this year’s celebrations, Vietnam is one of the countries India is partnering with in a Glo🎀bal Yoga Ring programme in which India’s national television broadcaster, Doordarshan, will be carrying out live telecasts of events based on different time zones from all𒀰 over the world./.