A cross party group of MEPs has highlighted the benefits of yoga and meditation at an event in the European parliament on 21 April.
The event was organised by the European Parliament’s delegation for India relations and included sessions and talks on yoga and spirituality, as well as question and answer sessions. The event was helmed by British MP Geoffrey Van Orden, who claimed it was the “first time ever that an event has found resonance among members from all seven political groups of the European parliament.”
Van Orden’s British colleague Neena Gill also commented on the nature of the program and said that it had primarily been organized to educate people about the difference between yoga practice today, and the origins of yoga. “Among the many important lessons yoga teaches us, is the benefit of a holistic approach. I hope that the EU will apply these vital lessons in both internal and external policies. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can also help us tackle issues like climate change and inequality. Ideally, a key outcome will be to strengthen our relationship and revive EU-India ties,” she added.
The meet also had the approval of the Indian foreign office, with Indian ambassador to the EU Manjeev Singh Puri saying, “I am very proud that we have support across all the political groups, not only members of the India delegation. This is very unique and a testament to how popular yoga is, and its positive contribution to the world.”
India is going all out to make the first International Yoga Day a success. Among several initiatives, both within India and internationally, which it is undertaking to boost participation in the event, it has also called for all universities and colleges in India to celebrate the event.
The University Grants Commission or UGC, which oversees operations of all Indian universities is learnt to have sent a letter to all universities to “kindly observe International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2015 in your esteemed university and colleges affiliated to your university.”
