PREMIER David Eby joined hundreds of participants on Saturday, June 20 at the Consulate General of India’s 12th International Day of Yoga celebration at David Lam Park. More than 600 people along with Yoga practitioners, Ayurveda associations and Yoga associations in the Lower Mainland gathered on a bright sunny morning at Vancouver’s iconic park to stretch, breath and meditate for a healthy living.
Among others who attended were Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services; Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials and MLA Sunita Dhir; MLA Rohini Arora; Surrey City Councillor Linda Annis and members of the diplomatic and consular corps.
International Day of Yoga is observed annually around the world following the historic adoption of a United Nations resolution in 2014. Since then, awareness of yoga’s invaluable contribution to physical health, mental well-being, and harmony between individuals and nature has grown significantly, making yoga a widely embraced practice across the globe, including in Canada.
In his welcome remarks, Indian Consul General Masakui Rungsung highlighted yoga’s role in fostering wellness, resilience, community spirit, and overall physical and mental well-being. Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” he encouraged participants to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice and emphasized the importance of introducing yoga to children at an early age for holistic well-being.
Eby described yoga as “India’s incredible export to the world.” He spoke about its benefits, and shared how yoga has helped him stay healthy, focused amidst a busy lifestyle.
The free event included 45 minutes of guided yoga and meditation session, followed by advanced yoga demonstration and a unique yoga session for kids through story telling.
As part of the celebrations, the Ayurveda Association of Canada set up an Ayurveda Lounge, and a special exhibition showcased yoga-themed posters created by children.
The event united people and organizations of various cultures and backgrounds across Lower Mainland to embrace health, mindfulness, harmony, and inner peace.
