SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION B-18Vasant MargVasant ViharNew Delhi 110057 

Tel.: 91-11-26149411-14,

 Fax: 26143605 

Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu Sivananda World Peace FoundationKwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa 

Message from the South African High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh and Nepal Prof Anil Sooklal On the Occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, hosted by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation As the South African High Commissioner to IndiaBangladesh and Nepal it is my honour and privilege to extend warmest greetings to the Sivananda World Peace Foundation on the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga being celebrated in KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaYoga is an ancient science rooted in the teachings of India's great saints and spiritual masters, 

as preserved in the sacred Hindu textsIt is much more than physical movement; it is a discipline that harmonizes the bodymindand spirit through a combination of postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama)relaxationand meditationOver the centuries, what began as a sacred practice has evolved into universal language of well-being, 

transcending bordersculturesand religionsam deeply inspired by the remarkable work of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in advancing yoga, peace, and social harmony in South AfricaThe Foundation's tireless efforts to make yoga accessible to people from all walks of life is truly commendableThrough its inclusive initiativesthe Foundation is fostering unity and encouraging individuals to lead holisticvalue-based livesthereby contributing to peace and harmony within our communities and our nationI particularly appreciate the Foundation's dedication not only to spreading the practice of yoga but also to its philanthropic endeavoursThis commitment echoes the ancient Indian philosophy that underpins yoga and aligns with the vision of the Government of Indiawhich has long championed yoga as tool for physical healthmental clarityand emotional resilience

The Sivananda World Peace Foundation stands as a shining example of how the practice of yoga can unify people and build bridges of peace and understandingAs we celebrate the 11th International Day of YogaI encourage everyone to embrace this transformative practiceLet us unite in the spirit of peacewellness, and global harmonyI extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Sivananda World Peace Foundation for hosting this year's celebrations

As the first South African of Indian origin to represent our beloved country in Bharat (India) as High CommissionerI have witnessed firsthand the profound unifying effects of yogaYoga was elevated as a Global observance when the United Nations declared 21 June annually as the International Day of Yoga in December 2014 through the efforts of Prime Minister ModiIn a highly fractured and divided world the Global observance of UN International Yoga Day is welcome demonstration that humanity can unite under the banner of peaceharmony,

 co- operation and mutual coexistence in which Yoga symbolises creating a better and more inclusive and just world for all who live in our beautiful Mother EarthAs South Africans we are pleased to join in celebrating the International Day of Yoga as symbol of fostering global peaceharmony and the coexistence of humanity as one familyUltimately, yoga is a sacred path toward universal peace which is a journey toward the inner balance of the mindbody and soul and the ultimate union with the DivineWith warm regards and in the spirit of peace and unity,

Prof. Anil Sooklal 

High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Bangladesh and Nepal 

Comments
* The email will not be published on the website.