Yoga: your path to comprehensive health
On June 21, the International Yoga Day is celebrated all over the world. This year, the 9th International Yoga Day will be held, the theme of which is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", that is, "The whole world is one family", which is also the theme of the current presidency of India in the G20. The beginning of the International Yoga Day can be attributed to December 2014, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on the initiative of India, adopted a resolution on this issue, which was supported by 177 Member States, which is a record for any resolution in the history of the UNGA. During the International Yoga Day 2023, yoga classes will take place from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and a "Global Ocean Ring" will be created with yoga demonstrations in iconic ports around the world.
Yoga is an age–old tradition that originated in India, dating back to the Indus Valley civilization. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj", which means "to bind" or "to connect". Yoga practice leads to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. Yoga is a way of life rather than a system of exercises or a set of techniques. The goal of yoga practice ("sadhana") is to overcome all kinds of suffering and ensure a sense of freedom in all spheres of life. Many scientific researchers have proven the effectiveness of yoga in psychosomatic disorders. This has given rise to a great belief among the masses in its use in lifestyle disorders.
Recognizing the tremendous benefits of yoga, the Government of India has taken a number of steps to promote them. A separate ministry called the "AYUSH Ministry" has been established to promote research and development in the field of yoga (and Ayurveda) worldwide through inter-agency collaboration. The Yoga Certification Council was established to conduct voluntary certification of yoga specialists. This will ensure a synergistic effect, quality and uniformity in the knowledge and skills of yoga specialists around the world.
At the bilateral level, India and Turkmenistan have been cooperating in the field of yoga for the past 8 years. During the visit of the Esteemed Prime Minister of India H.E. Narendra Modi to Turkmenistan in July 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of yoga and traditional medicine was signed. Prime Minister Modi has opened a "Yoga and Traditional Medicine Center" - the first of its kind in Central Asia – at the Bagtyyarlyk sports complex in Ashgabat. Since then, Indian yoga specialists have been offering yoga classes at the center, as well as conducting "credit" yoga courses at the State Medical University in Ashgabat. On average, 350 to 400 people visit the center every day. Since 2018, an expert in Ayurveda has also been working at the center.
There is a growing need to create regional centers of yoga and traditional medicine in all the velayats of Turkmenistan. The Embassy offers yoga courses at the Ashgabat Yoga Center to allow yoga lovers in Turkmenistan to receive certificates from India. The goal is to bring yoga to as many local citizens as possible, thereby contributing to building a healthier society.
Yoga is India's gift to the world for sustainable health, well–being, peace and harmony. It serves the spiritual development and material success of mankind. The Embassy of India in Ashgabat has been celebrating the International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm since 2015. This year we held seminars in the cities of Mary and Turkmenabat, which were attended by a large number of local yoga enthusiasts. The main event will be organized at the Bagtyyyarlyk Sports Complex in Ashgabat on June 21, 2023 at 06:30. I invite all yoga lovers in Turkmenistan to join us at the event on the occasion of the International Yoga Day – 2023. I also encourage everyone to attend regular yoga classes, as well as take advantage of free Ayurveda consultations offered at the Center for Yoga and Traditional Medicine in Ashgabat.
Vidhu Pithambaran Nair
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan
