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WHILE Yoga originated in India, it is practiced all over the world in the true spirit of globalisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Yoga as “an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition” during his address to the UN General Assembly in 2014, subsequent to which the resolution for adoption of International Day of Yoga was passed with an overwhelming majority by the UN General Assembly.   

 The word Yoga means “union”.  It’s most important benefit is that it helps us realise our inner and outer connectedness. It makes us realise that our human potential is infinite.   

 Yoga is a great way to work on your flexibility and strength. Just about everyone can do it, too – it’s not just for people who can touch their toes or want to meditate.  One does not need any special equipment – just a yoga mat is enough to start the practice.    

 In the modern day life, yoga provides much needed relaxation and relief from anxiety.  The by-product is enhanced awareness and focus, something very essential in today’s times.   

 People of all ages and all walks of life can practice yoga.  It is good to start with simple yoga poses and do whatever one can easily do.  Sage Patanjali, who compiled the principles of yoga, advised doing the yoga poses in a relaxed, steady and comfortable manner – Sthira Sukham Asanam.  

He also advised doing it with regularity over a period of time to achieve perfection.   Remember, practice brings perfection.  It is good to do the yoga poses with awareness synchronised with breath.   

  Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar:  

If you are looking for a comprehensive yoga sequence, with pround benefits, consider practicing Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation.  The Sun Salutation sequence comprises of 12 gracefully linked postures/asanas.   

Sun Salutations help lengthen and strengthen, and they burn calories to aid weight loss. Research shows that just performing Sun Salutations can improve cardiovascular conditioning, prevent fatigue, promote calm and relaxation and provide a range of other mental and physical benefits.   

 Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on 18 June will bring people from all walks of life to practice Yoga together, as part of the 8th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) observations that kicked off in Bulawayo on 12 June and will go to Rusape on 19 June with the main event slotted for Victoria Falls on 21 June. 

 “This is a chance for all, those already practising and those who want to understand Yoga better,” said a source at the Embassy of India in Zimbabwe. 

This year IDY is running under the theme “Yoga for Humanity”.  

The theme was selected after much deliberation and consultation to appropriately portray how during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, yoga served the humanity in alleviating the suffering.   

Also in the emerging post-Covid geo-political scenario too, it will bring people together through compassion, kindness, foster a sense of unity and build resilience among people world over.  Zimbabwe is part of the planned worldwide Yoga Guardian ring going circling across the globe on June 21, 2022.

 “The eighth edition of IDY will see many firsts, one them is the innovative programme named “Guardian Ring which will showcase the movement of the sun. Participation of people performing Yoga will take place along with the movement of the sun from different countries, beginning from the east and marching to the west,” a statement from the government of India reads. 

The Victoria Falls Yoga event will be Zimbabwe’s session in the full day long live streaming covering many countries across the world. 

“The Vic Falls Event, which has been included in a Guardian Ring yoga programme, will be telecast live on ZBC and Doordarshan – both national television in Zimbabwe and India”, said the source at the Embassy of India in Zimbabwe.

 The Bulawayo event was graced by Bulawayo province Minister of State Judith Ncube, Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce Mr Raj K Modi and Mayor, His Worship Solomon Mguni.  Over 150 people gathered to enthusiastically participate at the Yoga Session. 

There is clear hunger for Yoga with Zimbabweans wanting more: 

“Thank you very much for yesterday. I was there. Please give us more of these in Bulawayo,” commented local resident Gift Mutsonziwa after the event. 

India has been holding a series of celebratory events for Azadi Ka Amit (India @75) anniversary. 

Some of these include a health camp in Bulawayo on 20 April which saw more than 500 people benefit.