Indian High Commission’s big push for International Day of Yoga, celebrations across 50 Centres in Singapore

The High Commission of India in Singapore (HCI) in association with several organisations, educational institutions, yoga centres, clubs and local associations will be observing the 3rd International Day of Yoga (IDY) from June 17-21, 2017 at several locations in Singapore. It is also supporting/partnering several events held by other organisations during June 2017 to observe the 3rd IDY.

Celebrations of the 3rd IDY are being organised in over 150 countries across the world. The Indian government is planning to launch 100 yoga parks across the country, which would be exclusively dedicated to the traditional practice of yoga. This year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in a massive event planned in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

People practicing yoga in Singapore.
People practicing yoga in Singapore. Photo courtesy: HCI

Indian missions in foreign countries have been tasked with coordinating the event in respective countries. IDY will be celebrated at popular places in the world such as Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Trafalgar Square in London and the Central Park in New York among others.

High Commissioner of India in Singapore Jawed Ashraf Photo: Connected to India
Jawed Ashraf, High Commissioner of India in Singapore Photo: Connected to India

High Commissioner of India in Singapore Jawed Ashraf said in a statement, “As individuals and as societies, we can find answers to many of our current challenges in the practice of Yoga. 192 countries observed International Day of Yoga last year and we expect the same again. Last year, Singapore was one of the leading countries to host the IDY and we think this year too, Singapore should be among the world leaders. So please join us across several venues in Singapore to observe International Day of Yoga.”

There will be around 50 IDY centres located all over Singapore. Registration at any of the IDY centres is available here. All the IDY centres are free and open to the public.

Peoples’ Association, SportSG, Art of Living, Isha Foundation, Vyasa Yoga, Sahaj Marg, Sports Hub, Indian banks such as State Bank of India, schools such as the Global Indian International Schools, the United World College South East Asia, corporates such as Tata Group of companies, Reliance, Tech Mahindra and Adani, have joined with the High Commission to celebrate the 3rd IDY.

Indian PM Narendra Modi addressing the UN General Assembly.
Indian PM Narendra Modi addressing the UN General Assembly. Photo courtesy: un.org

While addressing the 69th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi urged the world community to adopt an international day of yoga.

He said. "Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being.”

On December 11, 2014, the 193-member UNGA approved the proposal by consensus, with a record 177 co-sponsoring countries a resolution (69/131) to establish June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.