Indian mission marks Yoga Day

Islamabad : Marking the International Day of Yoga, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad held a special session of the ancient form of exercise on its premises in the high-security Diplomatic Enclave.

Gathered under a large fabric canopy and wearing form-fitting special clothes, the embassy's staff members and foreign diplomats had an outdoor yoga experience on fabricated floor mats.

The instructors helped them do special breathing exercises, meditation, and lunging, bending and stretching.

On its official Twitter handle, the Indian High Commission shared pictures of the participants.

It said, “Underlining the universal appeal of Yoga that transcends all barriers, enthusiasts from the diplomatic community celebrated the day with great fervour.”

It was the seventh edition of the International Day of Yoga with the theme of 'Yoga for well-being'.

According to the United Nations, the International Day of Yoga, recognising the important role of yoga, focuses this year on how the practice of yoga can promote the holistic health of every individual.

It said the message of yoga in promoting both the physical and mental well-being of humanity had never been more relevant as a growing trend of people around the world embracing yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression had been witnessed during the current coronavirus pandemic.

"Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety."

The World Health Organization declared yoga a means to improve health in its Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world.