By Foday Moriba ContehMore than 150 yoga enthusiasts gathered at Sierra Palm Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown, to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the growing popularity of yoga and wellness practices in Sierra Leone.The event, organized by the High Commission of India in Sierra Leone, attracted a distinguished audience, including the Ambassador of France, the Head of UNICEF in Sierra Leone, the Honorary Consuls of Sweden, Norway and Côte d’Ivoire, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, friends of India, wellness advocates and yoga practitioners.
Delivering the keynote address, Neeraj Kumar Saini, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India, emphasized the importance of yoga as a pathway to health, harmony and holistic well-being.Quoting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saini noted that yoga is more than physical exercise, describing it as a means of discovering a sense of oneness with oneself, the world and nature.He said the annual celebration unites millions of people worldwide in a shared commitment to health, harmony and inner well-being.
According to him, this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” reflects the growing need for people not only to live longer but to live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives.Saini explained that regular yoga practice promotes physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional resilience and inner peace, enabling people of all ages to maintain healthy and productive lifestyles.
He further noted that yoga’s global acceptance demonstrates its universal appeal. Since the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 with the support of an overwhelming majority of member states, yoga has evolved into a global movement promoting wellness and preventive healthcare.The Indian diplomat also highlighted India’s “Yoga 365” initiative, which encourages individuals to make yoga a daily practice rather than limiting participation to annual celebrations. He said the initiative seeks to make wellness accessible, inclusive and sustainable throughout the year.
Speaking on bilateral relations, Saini expressed satisfaction with the growing popularity of yoga in Sierra Leone. He observed that participation has increased steadily among students, professionals, government officials, diplomats and wellness enthusiasts, demonstrating a shared appreciation for healthy living.He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Sierra Leone in healthcare, traditional medicine, education, capacity building, digital innovation and human resource development, noting that yoga complements these partnerships by promoting preventive healthcare and improving quality of life.
Participants took part in guided breathing techniques, stretching exercises, relaxation sessions and mindfulness activities designed to demonstrate yoga’s benefits for physical, mental and emotional well-being. The activities highlighted the role of yoga in stress management, healthy ageing and overall wellness.The event also provided an opportunity for participants to gain a broader understanding of wellness beyond physical fitness. Many attendees described yoga as a holistic practice that connects the body, mind and spirit while promoting balance, discipline, self-awareness, resilience and inner peace.
Saini commended the efforts of yoga instructors Ms. Rima, Mr. Edward Kekura, Ms. Bhawna Vajpai, Ms. Nadia and Ms. Lashika for their dedication to promoting wellness and guiding participants throughout the event.He also expressed appreciation to several partners and sponsors whose contributions supported the successful organization of the celebration, including Delight Travels, Satguru Travels, SV Electrical, 7 Star Travels, Afro International, M P & Sons, Metro Stationery, JMD Travels, VLN Solutions and Mr. Vinod Khatumal Ji.The Charge d’Affaires thanked all participants for attending the event, describing their presence as a reflection of the growing friendship between India and Sierra Leone and a shared commitment to healthy living.He also acknowledged the efforts of staff at the High Commission of India in Freetown for their role in organizing the celebration.
Concluding his address, Saini urged participants to embrace yoga as a way of life, emphasizing that it represents a philosophy of balance, mindfulness, compassion and harmony with nature.”Let us carry the spirit of Yoga beyond this event—into our homes, workplaces, schools and communities. Let us make Yoga a daily habit and a lifelong companion in our pursuit of health, happiness and inner peace,” he stated.The enthusiastic participation and strong support from partners, diplomats and wellness advocates underscored yoga’s growing influence in Sierra Leone and reinforced its universal message of health, harmony and holistic well-being.
