By Buba Gagigo
The India Social and Cultural Association of the Gambia (ISCA) in association with The Embassy of India, Dakar Senegal, and The Honorary Consul General On Sunday, June 18th, celebrated the 9th International YOGA day In The Gambia.
The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated across the world annually on June 21 since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India.
Mr. Nandkishore Rajwani, President of the India Social and Cultural Association in the Gambia, expressed his joy at the rich heritage and cultural traditions that the Indian community in the Gambia carries with them. He thanked the community for gracing the occasion.
“This day holds a special place in our hearts as we come together to celebrate not only the ancient practice of yoga but also the rich cultural heritage of our beloved India. l am immensely proud of the rich heritage and cultural traditions that we carry with us. Our community is a microcosm of the diverse tapestry that is India, and today, we come together to showcase the beauty of our traditions through the practice of yoga.” Mr. Nandkishore Rajwani President of India Social & Cultural Association in the Gambia said.
Honorary Consul General of India, Ram Mohan, who was unable to attend the event, sent his thanks to the Government of India, the Ministry of Ayush, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of India in Dakar, and the Indian Social and Cultural Association for making the International Day of Yoga event so special year after year.
“I would especially like to thank our yoga instructors team and all those who have sponsored and made an effort to make this event a success. Yoga is all about mind and body. Our thoughts can heal ourselves and the world around us.” Ram Mohan Honorary Consul General of India said.
Babita Dinani, Vice President of Social of the Indian Social and Cultural Association, thanked the organizers and volunteers for their tireless work behind the scenes in ensuring the smooth execution of the event.
Sanjay Punjabi, the Vice President of Corporate of the Indian Social and Cultural Association said the origin of yoga can be traced to Northern India over 5000 years ago.
“I remember those early days and you have to admit that I look very well for a man aged 5025 years! Yoga was first mentioned in the ancient sacred texts called the Rig Veda“ 4 texts written in Sanskrit. Today, millions of people“ not just from India, but across the globe do all levels of yoga, from the ages of 5, 6, and 7 right up to 80 years and over.
“Here in The Gambia, a melting pot of different communities, cultures, and ethnic groups have descended upon this international venue to celebrate the gift of yoga from India to the world,” Sanjay Punjabi the Vice President -of Corporate of the Indian Social and Cultural Association in The Gambia said.
Celebrated on June 21 every year, International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage.