Photo: SAT/NN
By our community reporter
Melbourne, 21 June: The inaugural International Day of Yoga was observed in Australia today with events spread across the country. Among others Yoga events were held in Victoria, NSW and Canberra.
The event here was organised by the Indian Consulate at the Springers Leisure Centre attracting yoga practioners, enthusiasts, invited VIPs, and the local community.
The message of Australian PM Tony Abbott was read by the Indian Consul in Melbourne Manika Jain. In his message he said, “Yoga’s universal and growing popularity demonstrates its appeal to people of all walks of life, and its great potential to foster better health among individuals and populations around the world.”
Several MPs including Victoria’s speaker Telmo Languiller, Inga Peulich, Anthony Byrne attended the ceremony by lighting the lamp here in the presence of Indian consul general of Melbourne Manika Jain.
“It is a matter of great pride and pleasure that UN has declared observation of June 21 every year as International Yoga Day,” Jain said.
A documentary on yoga was also screened followed by Video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his message Mr. Modi greeted the people around the world, on the 1st International Day of Yoga.
“Let’s pledge to make Yoga an integral part of our daily lives,” he said.
The day-long celebrations were organised by a Melbourne- based yoga expert Rajendra Yenkannamoole who held yoga sessions.
Rajendra said that yoga was picking up in Australia in a big way and was emerging as a part of daily routine of many Australians.
A documentary ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ was screened and a souvenir released to mark the occasion.
– SAT News Service
