HCMC – The Consulate General of India in HCMC, in collaboration with the HCMC Union of Friendship Organizations, held the 10th International Yoga Day on June 21 on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in District 1, HCMC.
Under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society,” the event is part of a program for commemorating the 52nd anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic relations.
In his opening remarks, Madan Mohan Sethi, Indian Consul General in HCMC, said, “Yoga has a 2,000-year history and is deeply integrated into daily life. This year, the Indian Consulate has partnered with 26 southern provinces of Vietnam to organize yoga programs, aiming to connect people and promote Indian culture.”
Sethi also noted that last year, over 400,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam, with projections of more than 600,000 for this year, noting Vietnam as one of the most attractive destinations for Indian travelers.
Nguyen Nam Nhan, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Culture and Sports, said that International Yoga Day has been an annual event in the city since 2015.
“In the current context, with the world continuously facing challenges, especially natural disasters and pandemics, the awareness of maintaining both physical and mental health has changed dramatically. Yoga has become a practice and lifestyle to improve flexibility, health, and willpower,” he added.
Participants at the event were guided through yoga poses and breathing exercises by experienced yoga experts. This element of the program is considered essential for introducing yoga to more people and promoting both physical and mental health.
Nguyen Thi Le, 78, a resident in Tan Binh District and a regular practitioner of traditional Vietnamese exercises, shared her experience: “I have known yoga for a long time, but this is the first time I have practiced it. It’s truly an opportunity for me and my peers to explore Indian culture and learn more about this famous practice. I believe there will be yoga exercises suitable for the elderly.”
In 2024, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi and the Indian Consulate General in HCMC will jointly organize International Yoga Day in 40 provinces and cities across Vietnam.
