WEB DESK
The Indian community in Saudi Arabia came together to commemorate the International Day of Yoga 2023 with a series of events held throughout the Kingdom.
The highlight of the celebrations took place at the esteemed Real Madrid Academy Stadium in Riyadh, organized by DISHA (Dedicated team for Indo Saudi Holistic Alignment), a Socio-Cultural organization in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Saudi Yoga Committee.The occasion was inaugurated by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and graced by the presence of Nava Raj Subedi, the Ambassador of Nepal to Saudi Arabia, and Padma Shri recipient Ms. Nouf AL Marwai, and President of the Saudi Yoga Committee. Over 2,000 individuals from the Indian diaspora actively participated in the event, engaging in the Common Yoga Protocol and showcasing cultural performances revolving around the essence of yoga.
DISHA also organized similar festivities in Jeddah and Dammam, drawing enthusiastic participation from the community.
In Dammam, Shri Moin Akhtar, Second Secretary in the Embassy, attended the event with his presence, while over 1,000 participants took part in the celebrations. As part of the International Day of Yoga commemoration, the Indian Embassy has planned a High-Level Yoga Seminar in Riyadh on June 19, featuring the presence of Dr. H. R. Nagendra, the Vice Chancellor of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana Yoga University, and Dr. Manjunath Sharma, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Director at S-VYASA University.Moreover, the Embassy is organizing a grand public yoga event at the prominent Al Madi Park, located in the heart of Riyadh city, on June 21.
These events not only highlights the numerous physical and mental benefits of yoga, such as improved well-being, stress reduction, and enhanced flexibility but also fostered unity and celebration within the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
The Embassy of India remains dedicated to promoting yoga in Saudi Arabia, viewing these events as a testament to their ongoing efforts. It is hoped that the festivities will inspire individuals to explore the practice of yoga further and integrate its principles into their daily lives, thereby nurturing a healthier and more harmonious society.