The Indian government on Saturday projected yoga as a practical solution to the twin challenges of ageing and stress in modern society, urging Nigerians to embrace the centuries-old discipline as a pathway to healthier and longer lives.
Speaking at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, said yoga has emerged as a powerful tool for preventing age-related ailments while promoting physical fitness, emotional balance and mental clarity.
The event, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” attracted diplomats, government officials, students, members of the Indian community and wellness enthusiasts, underscoring the growing acceptance of yoga beyond its country of origin.
Singh said the choice of this year’s theme reflected global concerns over rising health challenges associated with ageing populations and sedentary lifestyles.
According to him, many ailments commonly associated with old age can be prevented or delayed through regular yoga practice.
He said, “The message we want to convey is that people can remain active and youthful even in old age if they make yoga a part of their lives. It is a simple but effective way of promoting healthy ageing.”
The envoy described yoga as one of India’s enduring contributions to humanity, saying its benefits extend beyond physical exercise to encompass mental and emotional well-being.
In an era characterised by relentless pressures and fast-paced living, Singh noted that yoga offers individuals an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with themselves and manage stress more effectively.
He explained that through a combination of breathing techniques, gentle movements, stretching and mindfulness exercises, yoga helps improve balance, flexibility, strength and mobility while also enhancing mental resilience.
Singh further said the practice has evolved into a universal language of wellness and peace that transcends geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries.
He recalled that the United Nations General Assembly designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a development that elevated yoga into a global movement for healthier living.
The High Commissioner said the impressive turnout at the Abuja celebration demonstrated yoga’s unifying power and its increasing relevance in addressing contemporary health concerns.
He noted that participants from diverse nationalities and backgrounds came together in pursuit of a common objective—better health and human well-being.
Commending the National Sports Commission, officials of the Indian High Commission and other partners for supporting the programme, Singh urged Nigerians to make yoga a daily habit, stressing that healthy ageing begins with conscious lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare practices.
Michael Olugbode
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