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Hundreds gathered at London’s iconic Strand on Friday to celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY), joining expert-led yoga sessions and breathing exercises organized by the High Commission of India in London.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, opened the 10th anniversary celebration on a bright summer evening by delivering a special message from King Charles III.
The 76-year-old monarch, known for his longstanding interest in yoga, praised the practice’s growing influence and its role in promoting global unity, compassion, and well-being. “The theme of this year's day, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ reminds us how vitally important it is that the world comes together to secure a happy and healthy future for present and future generations,” the King said in his message from Buckingham Palace.
“Year on year, yoga is increasing in popularity across the United Kingdom, with millions of people in our country reaping its benefits,” the King continued. “Yoga is a powerful means of enabling anyone to improve their physical and mental health and fosters a sense of well-being and togetherness within communities.”
High Commissioner Doraiswami reflected on the decade-long global recognition of Yoga Day, first proposed in 2014 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and quickly embraced by the United Nations. “Yoga speaks to a universal language the commonality of the human experience. No matter where we come from, how we look, how we pray, or what we speak, our bodies need the same forms of healing,” Doraiswami said.
This year’s event was held in collaboration with King’s College London, whose campus sits close to India House. Graham Lord, Senior Vice-President for Health and Life Sciences at King’s College, emphasized the shared values between the two institutions. “King’s College London shares the values of community, wellness, inner calm and everything that yoga represents," he said. “This is the first of many partnerships we will have with the High Commission and also reflects the broader relationship between the United Kingdom and India, who very recently signed a Free Trade Agreement.”
The celebration kicked off with a vibrant 'Drums of India' performance by Bhavan UK, followed by a guided Surya Namaskar and an introduction to Iyengar Yoga. Experts from Heartfulness UK, Art of Living, and Isha Foundation led participants through breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises. The evening concluded with Samagam, a graceful blend of yoga and dance.
The International Day of Yoga is celebrated globally every year on June 21, with London’s event standing as one of the major public gatherings organized by the Indian High Commission to honor the ancient practice.
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Source: NDTV
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