Speech by Ambassador at the Celebration of the 4th International Day of Yoga, 16 June 2018 at Kuchajda Park, Bratislava

Your Excellency Mr. Mayor, distinguished guests and dear friends,

I am immensely pleased to welcome you on the occasion of the celebration of the 4th International day of Yoga in Bratislava.

Dobre rano!

This is my first International Day of Yoga in Slovak Republic. Today, from this beautiful city of Bratislava, we shall herald the commencement of the celebration of the 4th International day of yoga, which will be celebrated all over the world and all major cities of the Slovak Republic during the course of the next one week.

Four years ago, when our Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the proposal to celebrate 21st June as the International Day of Yoga in the United Nations General Assembly, no body had imagined that this will become one of the most popular and most celebrated international days declared by the United Nations.

It is the power of the yoga, its undeniable health benefits, its message of peace and harmony, and the love and commitment of yoga practitioners that has made this international day so successful.

As our Prime Minister has said in his message, yoga is not just a set of exercises that keep the body fit, it is a passport to health assurance, a key to fitness and wellness. Yoga is also ideal for relaxation of mind and body. It gives peace of mind. And people who are at peace with themselves are at peace with others.

Let us pledge to spread this message of peace and well-being to the entire world through the practice of yoga.

I thank Mr. Mayor for his gracious presence and for giving permission to use this beautiful park for hosting the 4th IDY celebration. I also thank all the co-organisers and sponsors of the event.

I very much thank the Minister of Culture Her Excellency Mrs. Lubica Lassakova for a message sent by her on this occasion. Mrs. Jana Vancova will shortly read out her message.

And most importantly I thank you all for joining us in this celebration.

We are blessed with a beautiful weather today.

I wish you all a pleasant day.

Dyakuyem.