Yoga session attracts hundreds of enthusiasts |27 June 2023

The high commission of India celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with the theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which translates to ‘Yoga for World as one family’.

The event, which took place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, was attended by over 400 yoga enthusiasts from different walks of life including young, old, students and government officials.

It was held at the Palais des Sports indoor stadium, Roche Caiman Sports Complex. Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner to Seychelles, Kartik Pande, talked about the benefits of yoga for mental and physical health.

He also highlighted the popularity of yoga worldwide and in Seychelles.

This was followed by a 45-minute yoga session called the Common Yoga Protocol led by the yoga teachers of the high commission and Yoga Association of Seychelles.

The yoga session was followed by award of certificates to 11 students who recently completed a ‘Certificate Course in Yoga Education’ from an Indian University. Yoga teachers Steve Thelermont and Josette Ruiz were also congratulated for their efforts and contributions towards promotion and propagation of Yoga in Seychelles.

The importance of Yoga includes the true essence of yoga which revolves around elevating the life force or 'Kundalini' at the base of the spine. It aims to achieve this through a series of physical and mental exercises. At the physical level, the methods comprise various yoga postures or 'asanas' that aim to keep the body healthy. The mental techniques include breathing exercises or 'pranayama' and meditation or 'dhyana' to discipline the mind.

The practice of Yoga is believed to have started with the very dawn of civilisation. The science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems were born. In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi Guru.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the yoga session on Saturday.

Compiled by Sunny Esparon

Photos: Contributed