Nigeria celebrates International Day for Yoga
The morning of June 21 in Lagos saw a congregation of 2000+ Nigerians come together to celebrate the first International Day of Yoga, as declared by the United Nations. Individuals came forth in all their diversity from all walks of life to perform graceful yogic postures, sun salutations and a short meditation. Through this event, "Yoga for Happiness” Nigeria became a part of over 100 countries where the Art of Living Foundation is celebrating the International Day for Yoga.
On the occasion, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation and ambassador of peace and happiness said, "Yoga helps a human being to unfold his full potential
Yoga improves the quality of life - which is so much needed today. Yoga can wipe the tears and bring smiles on every face. It can bring celebration and skill in everyone's life. So let's celebrate this world yoga day with zeal and enthusiasm, and reach out this precious ancient knowledge to every human being on this planet."
The morning started with a welcome from MC Ayo Owodunni, followed by a loud rendition of our national anthem and opening prayers. The chairman of the Olympic Committee of Nigeria addressed the audience and remarked the numbers in which participants had voluntarily come to attend this workshop on health and wellness. The event was also graced by well-known academician and social reformer Professor Pat Utomi who said, "It is essential for each and every one of us to incorporate Yoga into our daily lives to progress faster as individuals and as a country."
Akshay Jain of Art ofl Living shared that "Yoga is being practiced for last 5000 years for a healthy and happy lifestyle by millions across the globe. It is a complete science. It unites body, mind and spirit and the universe. Yoga brings the much-needed and longed for peace and ecstasy in every individual. Yoga makes a big difference in one's behaviour pattern, thought pattern, one's attitude. For a healthy and happy life these days, yoga is almost indispensable. If you want to be sane, if you want to be sensitive, sensible and strong and intuitive, you have to follow yoga."
The event, aimed at creating awareness for a health and happy way of living, began with Art of Living instructor conducting a round of warm-up exercises, demonstration of yoga postures, round of relaxation and concluded with a resounding pledge for a better Nigeria.
