Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the concept of the day to the United Nations and it was endorsed by an unprecedented 177 nations.
Mr Mathai spoke about a flagship event that will take place at Raj Ghat in Delhi, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, in the morning. He said that events in the UK could start (as is common with yoga) in the morning. He said that there will be a logo to go with the event, and that an instructional DVD will be circulated. The High Commission will circulate a video message from PM Modi. There will be a special edition of the free government newsletter India Digest.
The High Commissioner mentioned that the All Party Parliamentary Group on Traditional Sciences was going to host an event at Parliament.
Baroness Sandeep Verma and Lord Nasir Ahmed were present, along with DHC Dr Virander Paul, Minister Press and Information and Head of Chancery, Mr Prashant Pise (presiding), Minister Mr Sidhu and First Secretary Mr Pritam Lal. Dr Nanda Kumara, the Bhavan’s Executive Director, was part of the proceedings.
There is going to a large free yoga show at Alexander Palace, and the Shivananda Yoga Group is conducting a yoga themed ride on the Thames River, travelling from Putney to Docklands. There will also be a giant yoga class in Parliament Square.
The High Commissioner extended a request to the public to provide it with a list of as many related events as possible that can be arranged around the country. He said that there will be an international linking of all yoga events worldwide on the day. There should be a good response, since 200 million practise yoga round the world.
Baroness Verma said that daily yoga practise had reduced her husband’s diabetes and cholesterol and said she planned to have Victoria Park in Leicester used for the day.
Sister Jaymini of the UK’s Brahma Kumaris is taking a lead role in the organisation of the day as the BKs have consultative status with the UN.
