Indian peacekeepers serving in UN missions, participants from about 100 nationalities and top UN diplomats will join the second International Day of Yoga celebration next week with emphasis on how Yoga can help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said this year's celebration of the International Yoga Day will lay special emphasis on enhancing awareness that Yoga is a holistic approach and not just a physical activity.
India's Permanent Mission will organise on June 20 the first 'Conversation with Yoga Masters' that will "seek to enrich our collective understanding of the unique features of Yoga and its role for the achievement of SDGs."
Isha Foundation founder and spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev will participate in the event.
On June 21, the Indian mission in association with the UN Department of Public Information will commemorate the Yoga day at the world body's headquarters that will be attended by General Assembly President Morgens lykketoft, Under-Secretary- General for Communications and Public Information Cristina Gallach and Sadhguru, who will lead a simple Yoga practice. The event will include a musical incantation on Yoga and renowned British singer Tanya Wells will recite Sanskrit shlokas.
Akbaruddin said a huge and diverse turnout is expected at the Yoga Day gathering at the UN Secretariat Circle, with participants from 100 nationalities having registered for the event so far. Ambassadors and diplomats from various countries will also share their own experiences of how Yoga has influenced their life styles.
Indian peacekeepers are also practicing to observe the Yoga Day in the 13 peacekeeping operations where they are currently deployed, including in South Sudan, Congo and lebanon, "tangibly demonstrating the role of Yoga in promoting peace and harmony," the Indian envoy added.