Health
THE Indian High Commission in Abuja on Saturday underscored Yoga practices as key to building immunity, unity and community development.
Abhay Thakur, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, said this in his address at the International Yoga Day (IYD) ceremony organised by the mission in Abuja.
He noted that the theme: “Yoga for wellness” reflected global concerns for good health and well-being of people globally, amidst the IDY celebration under the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic.
Thakur quoted the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, saying, “Yoga has many benefits for the body and the mind, despite all efforts and precautions, COVID-19 may infect any person”.
“A strong immune system can aid in fights against it; Yoga can help build immunity through breathing exercises that strengthen the lungs.
“Across the world, millions of people have been forced to stay indoors and this has taken toll of their mental health as well, regular practice of Yoga can also help people recover.
“Yoga has an inherent power to connect; it is good for community, immunity and unity, it is an endeavour to ensure we focus on fitness, as well as wellness.”
He disclosed India government’s willingness to partner Africa countries to organise awareness campaign on June 22, to promote traditional cures for modern health hazards like COVID-19, diabetes and mental health.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, commended Nigeria-India bilateral relations to have enhanced various traditional medicine practices over the years in the country.
Ehanire, represented by Zainab Shariff, an official at the ministry assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to work closely with Indian government to achieve targets in the nation’s health sector.
“Yoga fulfills the definition of health as a complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.
“This also justifies the worldwide acceptance of Yoga and the declaration of 21st June as the IDY by the United Nations.
“Let me assure you that Nigeria is committed to the development and promotion of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine practices, including Yoga,” Ehanire said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, said that Nigeria and India shared similarities in areas such as, youth and sports development, democracy, economy and youthful population.
Dare, represented by Mr Abumere Akhidenor, Director, Special Duties at the ministry, described Yoga as exercise which includes breathing and posture, chants and meditation, to reduce stress, improve immunity and lung functions.
“The ministry identifies with the good people of India on this important occasion of double celebrations.
“You will agree with me that Nigeria and India have a lot in common, in terms of huge youthful population, democracy, economy, as well as some similar peculiarities in Youth and Sports Development.
“Based on these factors, the ministry will continue to explore and sustain this good bilateral relationship for the benefits of Sports and Youth development in Nigeria,” he said.
High point of the event was the official inauguration of the ceremony by Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) among other dignitaries.
The event which culminated with India 75th Independence anniversary was attended by key stakeholders at the Federal Government level, members of the diplomatic corps, top military and para-military personnel.
NAN
– June 19, 2021 @ 16:23 GMT |
Tags: unity – Envoy Yoga key to community development
