Resident Coordinator's message: International Day of Yoga

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Selamat Pagi and Namaste!

It is with immense joy that I am back here to wish everyone a Happy International Day of Yoga.

Thank you, Your Excellency BN Reddy, High Commissioner of India in Malaysia, for insisting that I return to Batu Caves, a wonderful place which I visited just a few weeks ago.

The International Day of Yoga is a time to remind ourselves and people around us of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

Yoga teaches us that despite our diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, we are all connected as one human family.

Yoga reminds us that our differences are not barriers but opportunities to embrace and learn from each other.

Like in previous years, the United Nations is celebrating the International Day of Yoga, marked this year by an invitation by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, to all UN staff to join a Yoga session.

This special session will start in about 12 hours and will be led by H.E. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters in New York.

Now please allow me to read to you the message of the United Nations Secretary-General on the 9th International Day of Yoga:

Yoga unites. 

It unites body and mind, humanity and nature, and millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace. 

In a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice are particularly precious. 

Yoga offers a haven of calm. It can reduce anxiety and promote mental wellbeing. It helps us to develop discipline and patience. It connects us to our planet, which so badly needs our protection.  And it reveals our common humanity – helping us to understand that despite our differences, we are one. 

On this International Day of Yoga, let us embrace the spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people, planet and ourselves.

Let us join, from Malaysia, this wise call to unite our hearts, minds and actions and build a world that celebrates diversity, promotes peace, and upholds the values of compassion and solidarity.

Namaste!