KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the 10th International Day of Yoga, the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur together with the United Nations in Malaysia celebrated the day with great enthusiasm at the iconic Batu Caves temple.
India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy in a statement said over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts joined the event to celebrate the power of yoga.
According to information available on the high commission’s Facebook page, the celebration at Batu Caves was held from 8am to 9am yesterday.
“This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.
“On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, through a personal message, thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his contribution towards promoting yoga in Malaysia and counted on his support in making International Day of Yoga celebrations a grand success this year,” said Reddy, reported Bernama.
According to Reddy, Modi also encouraged everyone to make yoga an integral part of their lives as yoga offers a sanctuary of calm that will enable one to navigate life’s challenges with calm and fortitude.
Yoga, an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India, is bringing humanity together as it is embraced by communities across countries, he said.
On Dec 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution, proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states, proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, he added.
Reddy said yoga is a popular practice in Malaysia with numerous yoga schools, many devoted yoga practitioners, yoga instructors and enthusiasts.
Malaysia recognises yoga as among the 103 sports gazetted under the Sports Development Act (Act 576).
He said yoga serves as a bridge between the individual and society, fostering a consciousness of unity, of being one and of being together.
These values have greater resonance today with the challenges faced in the world – wars and conflicts, climate crisis and natural calamities, diseases and stress of modern-day life, he added.
