Third International Yoga Day celebrated in Seychelles

SEYCHELLES: The Third International Day of Yoga was organised in the beautiful island country of Seychelles with great enthusiasm and passion on 19thJune 2017 at the iconic Palais des Sports indoor stadium in Victoria, Seychelles.

The event, which was jointly organized by the High Commission of India in Seychelles and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Government of Seychelles, was inaugurated by Ms. Idith Alexander, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture in the presence of Minister of Health Mr. Jean Paul Adam. A Special Souvenir published by the High Commission on this occasion was also released by the dignitaries present.

In her address Ms. Idith Alexander said “The International Day of Yoga is now an important celebration of fitness, health and spirituality and is marked every year by Indian Community in Seychelles, all Seychellois who are friends of the Indian High Commission, members of the Yoga group at the Indian High Commission and elsewhere in the country where yoga is practiced as a fitness discipline. You are connecting with millions of people around the world through the practice of Yoga. “

In a separate special message sent a day earlier, Mr. Vincent Meriton, Vice President of Republic of Seychelles, who is abroad, said: “Yoga, which originated in India, is increasingly being sought-after as a holistic health and fitness experience”, adding, “Indeed, the relationship between India and Seychelles is a special one just as the bonds between Indians and Seychellois are. It is this strong relationship and friendship that has allowed Seychelles to build a culture that is distinct but is still able to appreciate and share the authentic cultural experiences of other countries.”

Special video messages of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister of India Smt. Sushma Swaraj conveying their warm wishes on the occasion of IDY 2017 were also played.

Earlier, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, High Commissioner of India welcomed the gathering and described Yoga as an epitome of India’s ancient, deep-rooted and diverse civilization. He also thanked the Government of Seychellesfor its unflinching support and official patronage extended tothe International Yoga Day celebrations in Seychelles.

Over 1000 Yoga enthusiasts, comprising 1% of the population of this tiny island country, including cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats, senior citizens and children participated in the IDY 2017 celebrations. The various activities that were held during the day included guided Mass Yoga performances using the Common Yoga Protocol conducted by Yoga Expert Ms. Shalini PS, especially flown in from India and assisted by local Yoga instructors from Seychelles, Yoga for Senior Citizens and Children, Yoga for Health, besides Meditation& Breathing Sessions. A Photo Exhibition on Yoga was also mounted.

The event was supported by several organisations, including the National Sports Councilof Seychelles, Seychelles Yoga Association, University of Seychelles, Art of Living International, Brahma Kumaris International, Hindu Council of Seychelles and the Indian Association of Seychelles.