The World Unites in Dubai for International Yoga Day
- In History & Culture
- 10:43 PM, Jun 22, 2016
- Suresh Radhakrishnan
A couple of years ago who would have imagined that Yoga would one day be embraced wholeheartedly in Gulf countries??!! It becomes more pertinent when certain so called secularists back in the very place of origin of Yoga are deliberately opposing it for political reasons.
Today, with the tireless efforts of the Indian Missions abroad and several other Ministries, Yoga has become a buzzword across the globe. With the acceptance of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly and declaration of 21st June as International Yoga Day, this has become an International phenomenon. 21st June also marks the start of the Summer Solstice (Greeshma Ayannad) in the Northern hemisphere and it is also the memorial day of RSS Founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
This International Yoga Day was celebrated in Dubai under the aegis of the Consulate General of India, His Excellency Anurag Bhushan, who has had enormous experience of directing and coordinating magnificent gatherings. He envisioned making this event bigger and better.
Responding to a question by this reporter as to how did the Consul General muster the confidence to take up the challenge of bringing in large numbers of people from across the UAE, the CG replied that it was the confidence in the Indian Diaspora, the Dubai Govt authorities and the multitudes of volunteers that gave him the energy to go ahead and plan the event on such a massive scale. To beat the mercury and the elements, the venue was planned to be indoors, at the World Trade Center Dubai on 18th of June 2016 in association with Dubai Sports Council. Mr. Nilesh Ved of the Apparel.
The Group stated in the presser that the future is in Yoga which is not just about fitness but also about Wellness, Happiness and Harmony. He also noted that Gyms were waning away. This coming from a businessman selling sportswear and accessories was indeed unexpected.
Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Marketing & Communication, Dubai Sports Council, herself a practitioner for the last 10 years, learnt Yoga online and via books. Also present for the event was Mr. Saeed Hareb – Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council.
Baba Ramdev in his inimitable style kept the crowds in good stead. Apart from the live performance and explanation of benefits of Yoga, Baba Ramdev made a point to the World that Yoga does not make a man change his faith as Yoga was founded by our sages 5,000 years ago without any devious intentions.
If Zero is the contribution to the World of Mathematics by India, Yoga is the gift to the World from India for Well-being and Happiness. In his address to the US Congress Indian PM Mr. Narendra Modi stated that Yoga is not patented by India. This reaffirms that Yoga is a gift from India to the World and all are Welcome to embrace it irrespective of gender, religion, nationality.
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