On June 23, India’s Consulate General in Erbil published a letter from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated each year on June 21.
On 10th International Day of Yoga, 2024, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi conveys greeting to H.E. Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the people of Kurdistan Region.@IndianDiplomacy@MEAIndia @KRG_DFR @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/3TTDu2E6JP
— IndiaInErbil (@IndiaInErbil) June 23, 2024
“This year’s International Day of Yoga is even more special as it happens to be its 10th edition. In the decade gone by, what began as a Resolution by the UN General Assembly, has grown into a global movement promoting health and well-being,” Prime Minister Modi wrote in the letter.
“Indeed, Yoga, an ancient Indian heritage, is today embraced by all cultures and all continents of the world. As we celebrate International Day of Yoga this June 21, the universal appeal of yoga bringing humanity together will inspire many.”
“Excellency, I thank you for your enthusiastic contribution towards promoting yoga among your people,” Prime Minister Modi wrote to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. “I continue to count on your esteemed support for making International Day of Yoga celebrations this year a success as well. May yoga bring humanity together, for our health and wellbeing, and for a greener planet. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Taking forward the theme of #YogaForSelfAndSociety, here are some glimpses from the #IDY2024 gala event hosted by CGI Erbil on 21 June in Erbil, Kurdistan Region. A large number of enthusiastic participants made the 10th International Day of Yoga celebration a resounding success. pic.twitter.com/TI9PLPqhIF
— IndiaInErbil (@IndiaInErbil) June 22, 2024
India’s Consulate General also hosted a gala event for the International Day of Yoga in Erbil on June 21, as well as a morning of unity and wellness with yoga exercises at Sami Abdulrahman Park.
Celebrating 10th International Day of Yoga in Erbil!
— IndiaInErbil (@IndiaInErbil) June 21, 2024
A morning of unity and wellness with yoga exercises at Sami Abdulrehman Park. Over 30 yoga enthusiasts performed asanas in front of the Gandhiji bust, in presence of HE Amb Prashant Pise and CG Madan Gopal pic.twitter.com/YMhq33xyht
“Over 30 yoga enthusiasts performed asanas in front of the Gandhiji bust, in presence of HE Amb Prashant Pise and CG Madan Gopal,” India’s Consulate General said in a post on X.
Read More: India Opens Doors for Kurdistan Students with Fully Funded Scholarships
India enjoys good relations with the Kurdistan Region and has developed improved economical, educational, and diplomatic ties with the region since it opened a consulate general in Erbil in 2016.
Read More: India Opens Doors for Kurdistan Students with Fully Funded Scholarships
In May, India also announced 50 fully funded scholarships for students in the Kurdistan Region, which will allow students to pursue undergraduate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various fields
“We want students from Kurdistan to benefit from this Indian expertise,” India’s Ambassador to Baghdad Prashant Pise said in a press conference held in Erbil in May. “Our hope is that they, upon returning home, will contribute to the Kurdistan Region’s development.”
Read More: Indian Business Delegation Visits Kurdistan
In June, the Federation of Indian Export Organizations visited the Kurdistan Region for business-to-business meetings with Kurdish businessmen in both Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
In April, Prime Minister Modi also extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Barzani for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
