iNDICA News Bureau
Marking the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco on Friday celebrated the occasion with an event at Crissy Field Beach, offering a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This year’s event saw a lively turnout of yoga enthusiasts and dignitaries, including members of the consular corps and San Francisco Chief of Protocol Mariam Muduroglu.
Consul General K. Srikar Reddy welcomed the participants and highlighted the tremendous benefits of yoga for physical and mental health.
The celebration featured yoga sessions based on the Common Yoga Protocol, gentle meditation sessions and a unique demonstration of Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport that combines yoga and pole gymnastics. The event was held against the backdrop of a partially fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
Yoga is a 5000-year-old tradition that dates back to ancient India. Yoga harmonizes the body, mind and nature through physical, mental and spiritual exploration. Recognizing the global health benefits of yoga, the United Nations General Assembly, following a call by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014, declared 21 June as International Yoga Day.
“Yoga is a precious gift from our ancient traditions. Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action… a holistic approach. [that] “Yoga is valuable for our health and well-being. Yoga is not just exercise; it is a way of discovering oneness with oneself, the world and nature,” Prime Minister Modi said in his opening address at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The UN website states, “Recognizing the universal appeal of yoga, the United Nations, on 11 December 2014, by resolution 69/131, proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga…International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.”
