Nearly 500 Yoga enthusiasts from all walks of life, Nigerian dignitaries, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Members of diplomatic corps, Indian community and friends from Media trooped to the High Commission of India in Abuja to celebrate the 8th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY).
The programme which was held in the Chancery premises on the Indian High Commission on Tuesday had in attendance dignitaries who participated in the Yoga session.
Among the dignitaries include Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information & Culture, Dr (Mrs) Ifeoma Anyanwutaku,, representative of Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Ms. Jumomoh, Acting Director (Asia- Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representative of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, representative of Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, representative of Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service, Col Hamid Ibrahim Ali (retired), representative of Chairman NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), representative of Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. High ranking diplomats and family members from British High Commission, Canadian High Commission, UAE, Bangladesh High Commission, Kenya and Angola also participated in the event.
The programme started with the brief remarks by Acting High Commissioner H.E. V.S.D.L Surrendra, who in his remarks explained the importance of Yoga in modern lifestyle.
He also highlighted that the tremendous potential of this age -old practice to change our mental, physical,and spiritual health.
The FCT Minister in his message highlighted the importance of Yoga in today’s life and was optimistic about the opening of more yoga centres across Nigeria in future.
The yoga session began with the demonstration of Yoga Protocol by yoga instructors Mr. Akshay Jain of Art of Living Ms. Sarah of Hearts Heartiest and Ms. Bhawna Vajpai.
Some useful yoga postures (Standing, Sitting, Prone and Supine) and breathing exercises were performed by the Yoga instructors along with participants, with kids from Heartiest Heart performing a yoga dance.