Braving the rain and wet ground, 700 participants performed yoga at Trafalgar Square on Saturday 15 June, ahead of International Yoga Day, in an event organised by the High Commission of India in London.
The International Day of Yoga celebrated worldwide on 21 June since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014, marks its 10th anniversary with the theme "Yoga for Women Empowerment," emphasising yoga's role in promoting gender equality and empowering women globally.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami expressed his delight at the event's success, stating, "It was a great pleasure to have well over 700 people here in this central spot in London, surrounded by iconic statues. It was wonderful to see multiple yoga schools come together to lead us in the practice of yoga." He highlighted the diverse community participation, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message that yoga unites and is for everyone.
Mr Doraiswami also noted the increased number of participants and yoga schools involved this year, along with the diversity of communities present. He emphasised that the main focus remains on yoga's role in healing and personal growth, rather than the differences in participation.
Inderpal Ohri Chandel underscored this year's theme of women's empowerment and the importance of yoga for Indians and Asians, as it fosters cultural connection and significance. She also mentioned the presence of the Indian Cricket Deaf Team members, who are playing matches against Great Britain and were felicitated by the High Commissioner at the event.
The seven-match Deaf series began in Derby on 18 June moving to Kidderminster, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire, before concluding in Leicestershire on 27 June.
To celebrate yoga day, among many other organisations this week, the Jain Network and Patanjali Jog Peeth UK will be hosting a programme in the presence of Param Pujya Acharya Dr Pradyumna Ji Maharaj on Thursday 20 June 2024 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Flightways Resource Centre, The Concourse, Colindale, London NW9 5UX.
