JAKARTA, 21 June 2023 – At the initiative of the Indian Mission to ASEAN, the ASEAN Secretariat celebrated the International Day of Yoga (IDY) for the first time with a yoga session participated in by its staff and other stakeholders.
On behalf of Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Tran Duc Binh kicked off the occasion with his welcome remarks, highlighting yoga’s importance as a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Renowned Indonesian yoga practitioner Anjasmara Prasetya led the session which was met with enthusiastic participation from the ASEAN Secretariat staff and diplomatic community in Jakarta.
Yoga is practiced in various forms in the ASEAN Member States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga became an important activity during the lockdown measures and was even considered by many as an essential lifeline. Yoga was considered a powerful tool in dealing with isolation and in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
On 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga through the adoption of General Assembly resolution 69/131. The resolution highlights the need for people to make healthier choices and follow lifestyle patterns that foster good health.
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