India's High Commissioner leads Yoga Day celebrations in London

ANI June 21, 2025 291 views

India's High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami led vibrant Yoga Day celebrations in London, emphasizing its connection to the summer solstice. King Charles III sent a special message praising yoga's growing popularity in the UK. Parallel events lit up iconic global locations like Times Square and Lincoln Memorial. The celebrations reinforced yoga's universal appeal for physical and mental wellbeing.

"Yoga is connected with the most scientific way of healing the human body" - Vikram Doraiswami
London, June 21: India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations at The Strand in London on Saturday, drawing vibrant participation from the Indian diaspora, yoga enthusiasts, and friends of India.

Key Points

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Doraiswami highlights yoga's summer solstice significance

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King Charles praises UK's growing yoga adoption

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Events held globally including Times Square and Lincoln Memorial

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Theme 'Yoga for One Earth One Health' promotes sustainability

The event, organised by the High Commission of India, was themed 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', reflecting this year's global message of unity, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Speaking at the event, Doraiswami highlighted the significance of observing Yoga Day on the summer solstice. "There is a reason why the historic civilisations have looked at the summer solstice as a very special day and it is in that context, based on the idea that yoga is connected with the most scientific way of, not just exercise, but healing the human body, that the International Day of Yoga falls on the summer solstice," he said.

Doraiswami also shared a message from King Charles III on the occasion. "The theme of this year, Yoga for One Earth One Health, reminds us how vitally important it is that the world comes together to secure a happy and a healthy future for present and future generations... Year on year, yoga is increasing in popularity across the UK with millions in our country reaping its benefits... I would like to send my best wishes to all those taking part in the celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga, thereby promoting the global principles of unity, compassion, and wellbeing," the message read.

The celebration underscored the growing global embrace of yoga as a means to physical and mental well-being, with the UK witnessing increased interest in the practice across diverse communities.

Echoing the same spirit, the Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York, in association with the Town of Greenburgh and the Indian Cultural Association of North America (ICANA), celebrated International Day of Yoga 2025 in Westchester with vibrant participation.

In a post on X, the CGI in New York said the event showcased yoga's universal appeal and its message of harmony and well-being. It added that the celebration was organised in collaboration with the Town of Greenburgh and ICANA to mark International Day of Yoga 2025.

https://x.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1936153918167564740

Building on the momentum of the Westchester event, the Consulate also hosted a vibrant yoga session at Times Square in collaboration with @TimesSquareNYC, bringing the spirit of International Yoga Day to one of the world's most iconic locations.

Sharing glimpses of the event on X, the Consulate General of India in New York wrote, "CGI New York, in collaboration with @TimesSquareNYC, hosted a vibrant Yoga Session at the iconic Crossroads of the World - Times Square! Here are a few more glimpses from this energizing celebration of wellness and unity. #YogaforOneEarthOneHealth."

https://x.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1936162879033540921

Extending the celebrations beyond New York, similar events were held in Washington, DC, where the Indian Embassy organised a vibrant Yoga session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial on Thursday (local time), ahead of International Day of Yoga on June 21.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of people, including members of the Indian diaspora and local residents, showcasing the growing global embrace of yoga.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
So proud to see our yoga tradition getting global recognition! The London event looks amazing. Our High Commissioner is doing great work promoting Indian culture abroad. More power to such initiatives 🇮🇳🧘‍♀️
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the global yoga celebrations, I wish our government would also focus on making yoga accessible to rural Indians. Many villages still lack basic facilities for such wellness activities.
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Ananya M.
Seeing yoga at Times Square makes me emotional! Our ancient practice is now a global phenomenon. The 'One Earth, One Health' theme is so relevant today. Hope more people understand yoga is not just exercise but a way of life.
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Vikram J.
King Charles's message shows how far we've come in cultural diplomacy. Yoga is India's soft power at its best! But we must ensure the original essence isn't lost in commercialization abroad.
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Sunita R.
As someone who practices yoga daily, I'm thrilled to see these global celebrations. But let's not forget the local gurus and teachers in India who've preserved this knowledge for generations with little recognition.
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Karan P.
The summer solstice connection is fascinating! Our ancestors were truly wise. Hope these events inspire more research into yoga's scientific benefits. Maybe next year we can have simultaneous yoga sessions at all Indian embassies worldwide?

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