[naewoeilbo내외일보] Su Han, Lee 이수한 기자 = The Embassy of India, Seoul organized its main event to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the iconic CoEx Plaza in Seoul on 22 June in partnership with the Korea Yoga Association (KYA). The event witnessed a remarkable turnout of over 500 yoga enthusiasts and practitioners from various walks of life despite the rains.

Ambassador Amit Kumar, Mr. Cheon Junpil, President of KYA, Mr. An Sang soo, former Mayor of Incheon, and Mr. Lee Gi hong, President, Korean Sport & Olympic Committee addressed the gathering. The event featured a series of activities, including common yoga protocol, yoga demonstrations and meditation sessions conducted by experienced yoga instructors.

Ambassador Kumar in his remarks emphasized the timeless wisdom and relevance of Yoga, which has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, touching the lives of millions around the world. Underlining the significance of yoga as a medium to attain the oneness of body, mind, emotion, and energy, he underscored the theme of this year’s IDY – “Yoga for Self and Society”. This theme was also underlined by President Cheon,14 pt who referred to the significance of yoga in enriching our lives and in its contribution to creating a better world.

Other dignitaries included Ms. Cha Ye-ryun, a well acclaimed popular Korean actress and our Brand Ambassador for Yoga, and Professor Seo Jong-soon from Wonkwang Digital University, who pioneered Yoga Studies in South Korea. Several Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps and their families also joined the event.

Around 30 booths were set up at the venue by local yoga organizations. The Embassy of India also set up its booth to highlight and promote Yoga as a connecting bridge between India and RoK. 

The Embassy has organized IDY 2024 events with support from local partners in several cities in RoK, including Nami Island (8 June), Jeju Island (15 June), Seoul (22 June), Miryang (22 June), and Busan (23 June).