Opening Speech by Amb. Harsh Kumar Jain for International Yoga Day 2025 (21 June 2025)

H.E. Mr. Arnaud Peral,

UN Resident Coordinator, United Nations in the Philippines

Dr. Maria Teresa C. Inigo,

Director General,

Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care

Dr. Anthony Jose Tamayo,

President,

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Distinguished guests and dear friends Namaste! Magandang Umaga!

It is with great honor and joy that I welcome you and join you today in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga—a day that connects people across the globe through the practice of yoga, fostering peace and harmony.

It is a matter of immense pride that yoga has been adopted worldwide, transcending international borders, cultures and languages, since the United Nations resolved to declare 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. This year's theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, reminds us that well-being is not just an individual pursuit, but a collective responsibility.

Rooted in ancient Indian culture and tradition, yoga goes beyond just the physical movement. It teaches us that health is holistic. It encompasses physical vitality, mental clarity and emotional stability. At a time when stress, lifestyle diseases and mental issues are on rise, yoga offers a steady, time-tested path and helps us with our inner peace, helping us reconnect with ourselves and with those around us.

Yoga strengthens the body, calms the mind and fosters a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. When we embrace yoga, we nurture not just our personal health, but also the well-being of our communities and our planet.

I am particularly delighted to note that this year's IDY celebration coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. Our two nations led the foundation of a strong friendship built on shared values, mutual respect and a deep appreciation for each other's cultural traditions. Over the past seven and a half decades, we have strengthened our bonds through multifaceted cooperation in an enduring friendship.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta for allowing us to use this venue for hosting the IDY celebration and Indian Women in Enterprises (I-WE), Filipino Indian Commerce and welfare Society Inc. (FICWSI), TCS Philippines, & NaHeal, for sponsoring the t-shirts, refreshments, yoga mats and the prizes for the photo contest winners respectively. Let yoga be our bridge to a healthier world—where physical, mental, and societal well-being flourish as one.

I also thank the Art of Living Philippines for lending us their yoga instructors for conducting the yoga session today. As we come together to practice yoga today, let us reaffirm our commitment to physical, mental and emotional well-being. Thank you.

May peace, health and happiness be with us all. Namaste. Maraming Salamat. Thank you.