From Kuwait to Kyrgyzstan, Indian missions hold yoga events ahead of IDY 2026
Kuwait, June 12
Indian missions in Kuwait, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan, Fiji and Niger organised curtain-raiser events on Friday, ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Embassy of India in Kuwait organised a curtain-raiser yoga session at the Gulf SPIC Labour Camp on Friday in the lead-up to International Day of Yoga 2026.
"The event holds special significance as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the camp during his historic visit to Kuwait in December 2024," the Embassy wrote on X.
A large number of Indian nationals enthusiastically participated in the session, practising the Common Yoga Protocol and reflecting the spirit of this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical vitality, mental well-being, and a healthier quality of life across all age groups.
"Ambassador Paramita Trpathi also handed over sports kits, including carrom boards, chess sets, and cricket and football equipment, and underscored the importance of health, fitness, and active lifestyles as integral elements of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Khelo India and Fit India," the Embassy noted.
In Algeria, yoga lovers and Indian Embassy officials came together for a rejuvenating session led by Algerian yoga teacher Wasila Hamouni.
"Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni invited attendees to celebrate with their families and friends on 21 June, and encouraged them to join the upcoming mass online Yoga session on 14 June, which aims to set a Guinness World Record," the Embassy noted on X.
In Kyrgyzstan, a Master Yoga Session was organised at the Unit of the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic. Over 100 Personnel of the Unit, along with Defence Attache Colonel Pankaj Sharma from the Embassy, participated in the events.
The Embassy of India in Niger organised a pre-event yoga session at Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, on Friday.
"The event brought together students and faculty to experience the benefits of yoga in fostering health, well-being, and inner balance," the Embassy wrote on X.
In Fiji, the High Commission of India in Suva and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Suva organised a Yoga Session at Rambisessar Memorial Primary School, Suva.
"The session highlighted Yoga's enduring role in fostering physical fitness, mental well-being and inner harmony among youth," noted the High Commission on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative, but I wish they'd also focus on making yoga more accessible in rural India first. Many village schools still lack basic facilities. Still, proud to see our embassies showcasing this ancient practice globally. The Kyrgyzstan border service participation is impressive! 😊
This is brilliant! 🇮🇳 Yoga for healthy ageing is such a relevant theme. The fact that Algerian yoga teachers are leading sessions with Indian Embassy officials shows how yoga has truly gone global. And the Guinness World Record attempt on June 14? Count me in! 🧘♂️
Nice to see these events, but let's not forget that yoga is about inner peace, not just PR for the government. The focus on 'Khelo India' and 'Fit India' sometimes feels like branding. Still, any step towards health and wellness is welcome. The Niger university event sounds lovely.
Proud moment indeed! My grandfather does yoga daily at 80, and it's kept him active. 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' is perfect—our elders need this. The Fiji school session is lovely too, teaching kids early. One request: please add more such events for our senior citizens in India. 🧘♀️
Watching yoga spread from Kashmir to Kyrgyzstan warms the heart. The labour camp event in Kuwait is especially touching—our workers there need such wellness support. But let's also ensure yoga remains true to its roots and not become just another government event. Authenticity matters. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.