By Emmanuel Davies and Philipson Roberts
Monrovia, Liberia: Known as the most popular traditional practice for over 500 Years, India is set to commemorate the 2025 “Yoga” festivities across the globe, with a remarkable exhibition in Liberia, at the Monrovia City Hall.
The Indian tradition of practicing Yoga is deeply rooted in the Country’s history-about five (5) centuries ago. It is a spiritual, physical and mental practice that has become popular all over the world since its institution.
In history, the word “Yoga” emanates from the Sanskrit term “Yuj”, which means, to unite, and its goal is to unite the mind, body, and spirit to achieve a sense of inner peace and harmony.
According to the founding fathers, the practice of Yoga increases flexibility and mobility-helps one to stretch and strengthen muscles. In addendum, it improves balance and coordination, which helps prevent falls and injuries and increases physical stamina, endurance and cardiovascular capacity
The activities characterizing the 11th Yoga celebrations in Liberia is themed, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” and the enduring Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -the world is one family”, reflecting Yoga’s universal significance in promoting holistic health, harmony, and global well-being.
On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, slated for 21, June 2025, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, conveyed warm greetings to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, looking forward to a continuous support in making this years’ International Day of Yoga a bigger success.
The Indian Prime Minister is quoted as saying, “building on the past experience, India would be honoured to work with Liberia in showcasing what he calls, multifaceted benefits, through joint scientific research, exchange of traditional knowledge and innovative wellness initiatives grounded in Yoga”.
He reaffirmed his Country’s shared commitment to building a healthier, more peaceful and sustainable future for all.
In his message, the Indian ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Manoj Bihari Verma, signalled the need for co-existence between his Country and the Liberian Community.
India has been a bilaterial partner to Liberia-providing aids through the donation of transport buses to the National Transit Authority (NTA), student exchange programs, full-waver scholarships, capacity-building programs for Liberians, amongst others.
The Country is the world’s fastest-growing economy that fulfilled the Paris commitments ahead of time.
Adopted by 195 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015, the Paris agreement is a legally binding international accord on climate change which entered into force on 4 November 2016.
The agreement challenges developed countries to take the lead in providing financial assistance to countries that are less endowed and more vulnerable, while for the first time also encouraging voluntary contributions by other Parties.
This year’s celebration of India’s Yoga is expected to be graced by a cross-section of diplomats, including representatives from the Liberian government and foreign partners at the Monrovia City Hall on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
