German Parliament hosts first Yoga and Meditation session
Berlin, July 8
The German Bundestag hosted the first Yoga and Meditation session on July 6, marking a significant milestone in the global celebration of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Germany said.
The event was hosted by Henri Schmidt, Deputy Chairman of the Indo-German Parliamentary Group, and attended by India's Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, German political leaders, yoga practitioners and members of the Indian diaspora.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Gupte highlighted yoga's growing relevance for health and wellness, India's leadership in traditional medicine and the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in Germany.
The event marked the culmination of years of efforts by the Indian diaspora to bring International Day of Yoga celebrations to the German Parliament.
The initiative gained momentum with the support of CDU MP Henri Schmidt, the Embassy of India in Berlin and members of the Indian community.
Rakesh Veuli, a CDU member from Hamburg, played a key role in taking the proposal forward in coordination with the Indian Embassy.
Among those present was Kuldeep Shekhawat, Overseas BJP Europe In-charge, along with representatives of the Indian diaspora, making the occasion a landmark moment in India-Germany cultural engagement.
The celebration reflected the global impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to establish the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations.
The 12th edition of the International Yoga Day 2026 was marked under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', highlighting the role of yoga in promoting healthy and active living across all stages of life.
It reflected the growing global emphasis on healthy and active living across the lifespan. As populations age and non-communicable diseases and lifestyle-related health concerns rise globally, the emphasis is shifting from simply adding years to life to enhancing health span, quality of life and overall well-being.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see the Indian diaspora working together to make this happen. Rakesh Veuli ji and the CDU MP Henri Schmidt deserve special appreciation. But I hope the session wasn't just a photo op - the West needs to understand the deeper philosophy of Yoga beyond just asanas.
As someone from the US who's practiced yoga for years, I'm thrilled to see this happening in Germany's Parliament. Yoga truly transcends boundaries. The Indian government's push for International Yoga Day is one of the best things to come out of diplomacy in decades.
While I appreciate the global recognition, I wish we'd focus more on India's internal problems - healthcare, education, poverty - rather than just exporting yoga as a branding exercise. Still, it's good that the Indian diaspora in Germany is being acknowledged. Balance is needed.
Amazing! "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" - this is perfect for countries like Germany with aging populations. India is showing the world how to live well. The German MPs must have felt so relaxed after the session. Wish I could have been there! 🧘♂️
This is such a beautiful example of cultural exchange. India's soft power is genuinely impressive - from yoga to Ayurveda. I've been practicing yoga for 5 years and it has changed my life. Kudos to the Indian Embassy in Berlin for making this happen!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.