ABU DHABI In the true spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The Whole World Is One Family) the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, is inviting people of all nationalities to join them in celebrating the International Day of Yoga (IDY).
The event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in partnership with India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi on June 20. The United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Now its third edition, the International Day of Yoga draws people of different nationalities and age groups.
“We will have the privilege of hosting Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, and other dignitaries as our very special guests in Abu Dhabi,” said Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri. This year participants will have the opportunity to learn about various yoga postures. E-booklets in English and Arabic and videos in Arabic, German, French, Russian, Spanish and Mandarin will be available at the venue.
Yoga mats and shirts will be provided free of cost and there will be a separate area for women.
“The UAE is a country that takes a very holistic view of well-being and has even set up a Ministry for Happiness. We have a fairly interesting programme lined up for the International Day of Yoga. What is left now is to spread the word, bring your friends and family and join us to make this event truly memorable,” said Suri.
Selfie contest
Inspired by Mann Ki Baat (Radio programme) of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participants are invited to send selfies/photos of three generations doing yoga together. The photos have to be uploaded to the Facebook page www.facebook.com/IndiaInUAE/ by June 21
Essay contest
The embassy has organised an essay contest on the following themes.
A. Benefits of Yoga for Cancer
B. Benefits of Yoga for Antenatal Care
C. Benefits of Yoga for Depression
Entries not exceeding 500 words have to be sent to: edu1.abudhabi@mea.gov. by June 21
The writer is an Abu Dhabi-based freelancer
