GOMBAK – Around 800 people gathered at Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Temple at 8am today, laying their yoga mats in the open space parking lot to practice yoga guided by 27 yoga instructors.
The event was in conjunction with the celebration of the 8th International Yoga Day organised by the High Commission of India.
Speaking to The Vibes, India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia B. Nagabhushana Reddy said the 40-minute yoga session was held to promote healthy wellbeing among Malaysians through the practice of the ancient Indian science of exercise and healing.
“We are very happy to celebrate (International Yoga Day). It is a day on which the importance of the ancient Indian yoga system is brought to life.
“It is indeed apt to have this because a lot of us have been affected by Covid-19. Yoga can help alleviate some hardships in terms of the physical and mental stress people are going through.
“Yoga is beneficial for everyone simply because it is a form of practising connection with our body, mind, and soul through asana – which means the physical practice of yoga as a way to achieve inner peace,” Reddy said.
He added that there has been significant growth and promotion of yoga in Malaysia thanks to several institutions – such as the Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors – who have taken the lead in organising their yoga programmes nationwide.
The celebration was also attended by the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia Karima El Korri, several high commissioners, ambassadors, and members of diplomatic corporations.
“This year is the 75th year of India’s independence and 65 years of India-Malaysia bilateral relations. So, we are trying to organise yoga in all the states in Malaysia,” Reddy added.
International Yoga Day, which falls on June 21, was proposed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.
In his speech, Modi said that “yoga embodies the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being.”
Themed “Yoga for Humanity”, Reddy said the campaign aims to achieve at least 75 different yoga events celebrated within one month starting today across all of Malaysia.
“The kind of response we saw at today’s event here – about 800 people joined us this morning, especially on a working day. I’m very happy that it went well because the weather gods have been very kind to us this morning.” – The Vibes, June 21, 2022
