The 11th anniversary of International Yoga Day 2025 reiterated the message of yoga awareness and health benefits worldwide. This year's Yoga Day was particularly significant, as its resonance was deeply felt even in countries like China.
Shanghai: The growing global awareness and adoption of yoga received a further boost with the enthusiastic and dignified celebration of International Yoga Day 2025 in Shanghai, China. The event, hosted by the Consulate General of India, saw participation not only from the Indian community in China but also representatives from various countries and Chinese citizens eager to experience the benefits of yoga.
Prime Minister Modi's Initiative: A Global Impact
Eleven years ago, in 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the global recognition of Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly, few could have imagined its transformation into a powerful tool of India's cultural diplomacy. Today, this vision is becoming a reality, and the Shanghai event serves as a vibrant example.
Special guest, United Nations Resident Coordinator Siddhartha Chatterjee, shared his deep commitment to yoga. He stated, "As a yoga practitioner, I deeply understand its power. It is not merely a means of health but also a foundation for peace and harmonious relationships." He praised Prime Minister Modi's leadership, stating that it had not only taken yoga beyond India's borders but also secured it a respected place on the global stage.
Yoga Programs Across Eastern China
The major Shanghai event culminated a series of yoga programs already underway in cities like Hangzhou, Wuxi, and Suzhou. Consul General of India, Pratik Mathur, stated in his address that the event was not only a demonstration of respect for yoga but also a reinforcement of the cultural bridge between India and China. He added that the event was made possible through the collaboration of the Indian diaspora, international companies, and Buddhist monasteries, symbolizing the universal acceptance of yoga.
Consul General Mathur paid tribute to those who perished in the recent Air India flight AI171 accident, highlighting yoga's power to provide mental peace. He said, "In such tragedies, yoga becomes a crucial source of inner strength and mental stability."
Cultural Programs and Dialogue Sessions
The yoga event included not only yoga practice but also dialogue sessions and cultural presentations. Many organizations and experts involved in promoting yoga in China participated. Attendees had the opportunity to experience yoga not just as exercise, but as a holistic lifestyle cherished by India for centuries.
The event's significance is heightened by its timing, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations. In this context, the Consul General noted that yoga serves as a tool to promote harmony, health, and mutual cooperation between the two nations.
