“Yoga for Youth… Yoga for All” – Mega celebrations held in Colombo for 4th International Day of Yoga, His Excellency The President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Maithripala Sirisena and thousands of yoga enthusiasts celebrated International Day of Yoga at Independence Square in Colombo on June 23 despite rain.
The President practiced a number of yoga asanas and thanked yoga institutions in Sri Lanka for their excellent efforts. The event was attended by a number of Sri Lankan Ministers and officials, apart from public at large, including professionals, doctors, academicians and cultural personalities, cutting across all religions and ethnicities.
His Excellency Taranjit Singh Sandhu, High Commissioner of India, welcomed H.E. the President. The Yoga celebrations started with a video message from Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
The High Commissioner highlighted the global efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to spread awareness about Yoga. “Yoga brings peace by combining the body, mind, spirit and soul. Yoga brings harmony in the family, society, nation and the world”, he added.
The High Commissioner also underlined the interest of H.E. President in health issues and admired the continued whole hearted support of H.E. President and people of Sri Lanka for the healthy practice of Yoga.
The event was organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Government of Sri Lanka, and eminent Yoga institutes of Sri Lanka such as Astanka Yoga Mandir, Sethsada Yoga Nikethanaya, Hatha Yoga Centre, Aum Kriya Babaji Yoga Aranyam, National Youth Services Council Sri Lanka, Institute of Human Excellence, Brahma Kumari Raja Yoga
Centre, The Art of Living, AAYUSH, My Yoga Lounge, Sakthi Anand Yoga School (Batticaloa).
Brahma Kumaris demonstrated Raja Yoga Meditation at the end of the mega event and gave the experience of stabling the mind and body with the original nature of soul by connecting the self with the Supreme being. Baba’s Blessing cards were distributed to all participants present. About 1000 people attended the function with 20 BKs as yogis and Instructors of Yoga.
