Resident Coordinator's speech: International Day of Yoga

Selamat Pagi and Namaste!

Happy International Day of Yoga to all here today.

I want to start by thanking H.E BN Reddy, High Commissioner of India in Malaysia for inviting me to today’s event, at the beautiful Batu Caves.

This special day of 21 June, also the longest day in the year, was recognised by the United Nations on 11 December 2014, as the International Day of Yoga. The General Assembly resolution 69/131 was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member States.

The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”

The International Day of Yoga is a time to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

The World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help reduce physical inactivity, and thereby reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

In collaboration with the Government of India, WHO has launched a free and easy to use app to teach and accompany yoga practice, and is an easy-to-use for beginners and advanced practitioners.

In Malaysia, like in many parts of the globe, Yoga is becoming more widely practiced, by people of all ages and walks of life. We are increasingly seeing more people across the world embrace this discipline as a pathway to health and wellbeing.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege for me to read to you today the message of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Yoga 2022:

The International Day of Yoga celebrates the restorative healing and inner peace provided by this ancient practice.

This year’s theme — Yoga for Humanity — reminds us how yoga is truly universal.

With roots in India, yoga is now practiced worldwide, giving people of all faiths and walks of life the tools and practices they need to enhance and balance their physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

For hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yoga has also been an essential lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an important means of coping with the challenges of social isolation and stress.

And in a world beset by disaster and division, yoga’s values of mindfulness, balance, moderation and discipline are essential as we seek out a new relationship with one another and with our planet.

On this important day, let us be inspired by this timeless practice and its values.

Namaste!

With these words, I wish you a beautiful and peaceful day and thank you for inviting me to join the celebration.