India's High Commissioner leads Yoga Day celebrations in London
London [UK], June 21 (ANI): India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations at The Strand in London on Saturday, drawing vibrant participation from the Indian diaspora, yoga enthusiasts, and friends of India.
The event, organised by the High Commission of India, was themed 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', reflecting this year's global message of unity, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Doraiswami highlighted the significance of observing Yoga Day on the summer solstice. 'There is a reason why the historic civilisations have looked at the summer solstice as a very special day and it is in that context, based on the idea that yoga is connected with the most scientific way of, not just exercise, but healing the human body, that the International Day of Yoga falls on the summer solstice,' he said.
Doraiswami also shared a message from King Charles III on the occasion. 'The theme of this year, Yoga for One Earth One Health, reminds us how vitally important it is that the world comes together to secure a happy and a healthy future for present and future generations... Year on year, yoga is increasing in popularity across the UK with millions in our country reaping its benefits... I would like to send my best wishes to all those taking part in the celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga, thereby promoting the global principles of unity, compassion, and wellbeing,' the message read.
The celebration underscored the growing global embrace of yoga as a means to physical and mental well-being, with the UK witnessing increased interest in the practice across diverse communities.
Echoing the same spirit, the Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York, in association with the Town of Greenburgh and the Indian Cultural Association of North America (ICANA), celebrated International Day of Yoga 2025 in Westchester with vibrant participation.
In a post on X, the CGI in New York said the event showcased yoga's universal appeal and its message of harmony and well-being. It added that the celebration was organised in collaboration with the Town of Greenburgh and ICANA to mark International Day of Yoga 2025.
https://x.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1936153918167564740
Building on the momentum of the Westchester event, the Consulate also hosted a vibrant yoga session at Times Square in collaboration with @TimesSquareNYC, bringing the spirit of International Yoga Day to one of the world's most iconic locations.
Sharing glimpses of the event on X, the Consulate General of India in New York wrote, 'CGI New York, in collaboration with @TimesSquareNYC, hosted a vibrant Yoga Session at the iconic Crossroads of the World - Times Square! Here are a few more glimpses from this energizing celebration of wellness and unity. #YogaforOneEarthOneHealth.'
https://x.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1936162879033540921
Extending the celebrations beyond New York, similar events were held in Washington, DC, where the Indian Embassy organised a vibrant Yoga session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial on Thursday (local time), ahead of International Day of Yoga on June 21.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of people, including members of the Indian diaspora and local residents, showcasing the growing global embrace of yoga. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
37 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Punjab's first liver transplant surgeon pushes for early detection and organ donation
Dr Gursagar Singh Sahota, Punjab's first liver transplant surgeon, is on a mission to fill a critical gap in India's healthcare system. By combining high-stakes clinical work with a growing public awareness campaign, the surgeon trained at the New Delhi AIIMS is pushing for early detection, specialised care, and a cultural shift around organ donation. His LiverGuru platform and expanding transplant programme aim to bring focus to liver disease—a growing but often ignored public health crisis in India. Rooted in Anandpur Sahib Born and raised in the historic town of Anandpur Sahib, Dr Sahota grew up in a family of teachers with no medical background. Yet, his fascination with science and desire to serve began early. 'I always loved studying, and there was never any family pressure,' he recalled. 'My father used to say both teaching and medicine are noble professions. I felt medicine would allow me to reduce suffering.' After completing his MBBS from Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, he pursued a Master's in Surgery from King George's Medical University, Lucknow. It was there that he developed a deeper interest in gastrointestinal surgery. Discovering the liver's complexity His first direct exposure to liver transplant surgery came during his MCh in gastrointestinal surgery and liver transplant at AIIMS, where he witnessed his first liver transplant, an experience that would redefine his career. 'I realised how complex and rare this field is. Some surgeries take 12 to 15 hours. But I wanted to take on that challenge and contribute where the country lacked enough specialists.' A spiritual process For Dr Sahota, liver transplantation is not just a surgical procedure, it's deeply human. 'It's a spiritual process in many ways. A person's organ lives on in another body. It gives life, energy, and hope,' he said. 'It's unlike any other surgery. It gives a different kind of peace.' He pointed to the acute shortage of specialists as a pressing national concern. 'Many Indian states don't have even a single liver transplant surgeon. I wanted to fill that gap,' he said. LiverGuru: public education meets medical outreach In 2023, Dr Sahota launched LiverGuru, a digital platform dedicated to liver health. 'I deliberately didn't name it after myself. It had to be neutral,' he said. The goal was to create a reliable, unbiased public resource on preventive, clinical, and surgical aspects of liver care. From social media campaigns to virtual consultations, LiverGuru aims to reach people before their condition becomes critical. 'Most people show up at hospitals too late,' he said. 'By then, the damage is often irreversible.' India's changing diets, rising risks Dr Sahota blames the rising burden of liver disease on changing lifestyles and food habits. 'Our grandparents walked, cooked fresh, and ate vegetables. Today, we're hooked on sugar and processed food,' he said. 'They may please the tongue, but they destroy the liver.' He said that vague symptoms like fatigue, low appetite, and mild weight loss are often the first signs. 'People brush them off. But when you see jaundice or vomiting blood, the liver is already in deep distress.' Prevention is cure He strongly advocates preventive screening. 'After 40, everyone should get annual liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound,' he said. 'The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. But beyond a point, transplant becomes the only option.' He also warned against self-medication and unverified treatments. 'Herbal supplements and quack remedies delay proper treatment and cost lives.' A high-stakes surgery Liver transplant is one of the most technically demanding surgeries, requiring precision, stamina, and coordination. 'Complications are inevitable, but it's the surgeon's response that defines the outcome,' he said. 'At AIIMS, we were trained to stay calm and think clearly.' He credits his centre's success to rigorous training and seamless teamwork. A record-making milestone Among his career highlights is the successful liver transplant of a three-year-old child, with the child's father as the donor. 'It was a rare condition. No child with it had survived globally. He just completed two years post-transplant,' he said. A surgeon with strings Despite long surgical hours, Dr Sahota makes time for self-care and creative pursuits. His day begins at 6 am with a cup of coffee, 'which is good for the liver,' he smiles followed by 30–40 minutes of exercise. On lighter days, he focuses on LiverGuru and spends time with his family. An avid singer and guitarist, he says music is his therapy. 'If I weren't a doctor, I'd probably be in a band,' he joked. 'Exercise removes stress, and music heals the mind.' Building for the future Dr Sahota is now working to establish a full-spectrum liver care centre in Punjab, integrating diagnostics, surgery, and post-op care under one roof. 'We don't go to general physicians for brain surgery. Why treat the liver any differently?' He's also pushing for normalising organ donation. 'India lacks a culture of organ pledging. We need to make that conversation easier.' Advice to future doctors To medical students, he offers a message of purpose. 'Choose a field you're truly passionate about. You'll spend your life in it—don't follow peer or parental pressure.' The authors are interns with The Indian Express.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Asia Album: People celebrate Int'l Day of Yoga around world
HONG KONG, June 22 (Xinhua) -- People in Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India celebrate the International Day of Yoga on Saturday. This year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," encourages people to care for themselves and the Earth. Yoga is an ancient physical and mental practice that originated in India. It is now practiced in various forms worldwide and continues to gain popularity.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
"Bangalore Is Killing Us": Entrepreneur Couple Leaves City, Blames Pollution In Viral Video
An entrepreneur couple living in Bengaluru for two years has decided to leave the southern Indian city owing to the worsening air quality that has taken a toll on their health. In a viral Instagram video, the couple opened up about the factors leading to the decision, which invited mixed responses from social media users. "You might hate use but Bangalore is slowly killing us and no one sees it coming," the couple, identifying themselves as 27-year-olds "working in corporate", prefaced the video. The couple, Aswin and Aparna, said they were running a business in the city, but the pollution, despite many people swearing by the city's weather, had troubled their health. "People say Bangalore has fresh air and great weather, but does it really?" Aparna questioned in the video, adding that in February, the Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a shocking figure of 297, which is categorised as "very unhealthy", bordering on "hazardous." "If we had known this sooner, we might've left Bangalore earlier. We loved the vibe. The people. The food. But we didn't know what we were breathing every day," the couple said. "Namma Bengaluru is amazing. Even to start a business, it's the best place to be but we had to make this choice as soon as possible. Before the city could sink us in, we left Bangalore." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zindagified (@zindagified) Also Read | Top AI Models Blackmail, Leak Secrets When Facing Existential Crisis: Study Social media reacts As of the last update, the video had received thousands of likes and nearly one million views. A section of users, particularly the locals, slammed the couple for the video, while others shared their sentiment. "Thank you for speaking the facing the same problem as yours, combined with terrible headaches...I moved out of that place after 3 really happy and healthy," said one user, while another added: "Actually Bengalurians are very happy with your decision. Please inspire more people." A third commented: "People are only hating on you but what you're saying is 100 per cent right." "We should all own the city and fight for better air & infrastructure, rather than fighting over north & south divide!" a fourth said.
