The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, has admonished Nigerians to embrace Yoga, the ancient physical activity that originates from India in order to sustain fitness, mental well-being and vitality, stressing Yoga as an effective pathway to healthy ageing.
The envoy made the call on Saturday during the celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where participants gathered under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21 across the world to raise awareness of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga and to encourage healthier lifestyles.
According to the envoy, “Yoga has got many benefits, but I emphasise that this year’s theme is healthy ageing because we have seen that many times when you age, you get many ailments which can be avoided through the practice of yoga.”
He said further that “This is what we are going to convey to the masses—that if you practice yoga, you will be as youthful in your old age as you were in your youth. Practice yoga for good health and good ageing.”
The event was a gathering of people from diverse backgrounds including diplomats, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, students, Indian community, which underscores the growing influence of Yoga across the globe.
Ambassador Singh said yoga has made a significant impact in providing people with opportunities to reduce stress, improve flexibility and strengthen their overall health. He added that Yoga has evolved into a universal language of peace and wellness that transcends borders, cultures and languages.
“In the fast-paced modern lives, yoga provides a dedicated space to breathe deeply, reduce stress and cultivate mental clarity. By combining gentle movements, stretching, breathing exercises and mindfulness, yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, strength and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and stress management,” he said.
Singh, who was impressed by the massive turnout of participants from across Nigeria, said the gathering demonstrated how Yoga has become a uniting force of people from different backgrounds.
“The theme this year is Yoga for Healthy Ageing and everyone has now realised the importance of yoga not only for their physical well-being but also for their mental well-being,” he said.
“I have seen this great sea of humanity in the colours of the Indian flag—orange, white and green—and how it brings everyone across borders and languages together for the common purpose of uniting humanity for good health.”
