Embassy of IndiaThimphu, Bhutan

Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre
Embassy of India, Thimphu
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International Day of Yoga 2019

On 23 June 2019, the Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Thimphuorganized a mass yoga session at the iconicChanglimithang Stadium in Thimphu with the participation of over a 1000 school-children, yoga enthusiasts, and senior dignitaries from Bhutan.The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Hon’ble Lyonchhen Dr. LotayTshering, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, spoke of the innate message of Yoga; representing unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; and a holistic approach to health and well being.

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Gerald Daly, recalled that the World Body had declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga every year, in recognition of Yoga’s potential to provide a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Speaking at the occasion, the Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering observed that ‘No combination can be better than the combination of Yoga and GNH to make this world a much better place to live in’.

The mass-yoga session on 23 June was the culmination of a series of Yoga-centric events organized by the Embassy of India this year. These included a photo-contest on social media where Bhutanese yoga-practitioners were invited to submit images of themselves doing different Yoga asanas. The winners of the best photos were given attractive prizes on 23 June, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Earlier, the Embassy had also organized public yoga events at the Clock tower, the Ecological Park, and the Centenary Park in Thimphuaside from events in Paro and Punakha. The Nehru Wangchuck Cultural Centre had also organized a yoga contest for school-children, and arranged for a live telecast of the main Yoga Day celebration organized by Government of India on 21 June.

For the first time, Project DANTAK, IMTRAT and the hydro-electric projects being constructed by GOI (Mangdechhu, Punatshangchhu-I and Punatsangchhu-II) also celebrated Yoga Day, making Yoga Day 2019 in Bhutan truly special.

23 June, 2019
Thimphu
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