A grand celebration of International Yoga Day was organized during the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav in Japan, in which a large number of Japanese citizens, representatives of the Indian diaspora, and members of various social and cultural organizations participated with great enthusiasm. Through yoga practice, meditation, and the teachings of Indian spiritual traditions, the event conveyed a strong message of further strengthening India–Japan friendship and cultural ties.
During the programme, a special video message of the Chief Minister of Haryana, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, was also broadcast. Extending greetings on International Yoga Day, the Chief Minister said that yoga is an invaluable heritage of India, which has today shown the entire world the path of health, balance, and peace. He also appreciated the International Gita Mahotsav being organized in Japan and congratulated the organizers and participants.
Addressing the gathering, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a path to spiritual upliftment, mental peace, and global harmony. He said that in today’s world, which is struggling with stress, anxiety, and conflict, the message of yoga and the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is extremely relevant and necessary.
Representing the Haryana Government, Dr. Amit Agrawal said the Haryana Government is continuously working towards the global promotion and dissemination of yoga and the Gita. He added that through the International Gita Mahotsav, India’s spiritual and cultural heritage is being taken to various countries across the world.
Yoga Day programmes were also organized in various cities of Japan, where a large number of Japanese citizens participated. The deep interest and dedication of people in Japan towards yoga and meditation is a testimony to the growing attraction towards India’s spiritual traditions.
On this occasion, speakers said that India is today leading the global yoga movement. Due to the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, yoga has become a worldwide mass movement and millions of people have adopted it as part of their daily lives.
Yoga conveys the message of health, peace, and harmony to humanity. Special guest Yogmata Keiko Aikawa was honoured during the event. She had recently participated in the Mahakumbh organized in India and also met Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi during her visit to India.
She shared her views on world peace and human welfare through yoga and meditation. Yogamata said that India’s spiritual traditions are a source of inspiration for all humanity, and the growing interest in yoga and meditation in Japan will further strengthen cultural relations between the two countries.
On this occasion, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Sh. Upendra Singhal, and Sh. Vijay Narula honoured Yogamata Keiko Aikawa by presenting her a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and a statue of Lord Krishna. The programme was attended by MLA Sh. Satpal Jamba, Mayor Sh. Shyamlal Bansal, Ashok Gujjar, Alkesh Modgil, Ashok Rosha, Gurnam Saini, Dr. Rishipal Mathana, Dr. M.K. Modgil, and others. The event concluded with a collective yoga session, meditation, and prayers for world peace.