“Yoga is India’s gift to the world, a people’s movement.”
These were the words of Dr Thelma John David, Consul General of India in Durban, at Africa’s first international yoga conference held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
The conference was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the High Commission of India and the Consulate General of India to South Africa in collaboration with S-VYASA University, Bangalore, India and UKZN.
Africa’s first International Yoga Conference kicks off in Durban! 🧘🌍 UKZN Westville campus will host speakers and participants from India, Egypt, Nairobi and South Africa to share knowledge and practice. #AfricanYoga #InternationalYogaConference #Durban Video Provider translation: pic.twitter.com/jtIEEgfCyp
— Witness (@WitnessKZN) June 27, 2024
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The focus of the conference was on the role and power of yoga in promoting health, happiness and harmony in ourselves and in society. The theme of the conference was “Yoga for Self and Society”. One of the speakers, Dr. Basabapatna Ramakrishna, President of Yoga University, India, said that this theme could not be more appropriate as it expresses the true purpose of yoga.
He said yoga can be defined as a way of life, the science of life, the art of living and the ideal path to self-realization and eternal bliss: “The main aim of Ashtanga Yoga is to bring about a complete transformation of the individual from an ordinary to an extraordinary state… In this state one enjoys complete inner harmony and absolute bliss.”
“His mindset changes from ‘I’ to ‘we’. This is known as ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. [which means] “The whole world is one family,” he said.
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Shri Kumar Tuhin, Secretary General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, said there was a lot of exchange and connection between South Africa and India through the scholarship scheme.
Shri Tuhin, Secretary General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), said he was excited to be part of Africa’s first International Yoga Conference in Durban.#AfricanYoga #ICCR translator Video Provider translation: pic.twitter.com/N0UZIXiRP4
— Witness (@WitnessKZN) June 27, 2024
He said he hoped the hosting of the yoga conference in Durban would further strengthen the “people-to-people” friendship between the two countries.
Durban-based yoga therapist and instructor Dr Ansuya Moodley said the conference was important to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga.
As yoga instructors and enthusiasts, we know the meaning and importance of yoga, but events like this can bring people together, expand information sharing, and benefit our community.
“Research shows that yoga can help improve the immune system and overall health, so it’s encouraging to see so many South Africans, regardless of race, choosing to practice yoga and take part in events,” she said.
Kumari Shahnaze Naicker from Pietermaritzburg says she is excited to be performing at Africa’s first international yoga conference in Durban 🧘🌍 #AfricanYoga #InternationalYogaConference Video Provider translation: pic.twitter.com/pqRnZeMoZt
— Witness (@WitnessKZN) June 27, 2024
