The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) Guyana), as part of its continuous promotion of health awareness and its “I love Guyana” project, is coordinating Guyana’s second International
Hindus for Selfless Service Guyana with other groups celebrating International Day of Yoga 2015 at Everest Cricket Club
Day of Yoga.
The group coordinated Guyana’s first International Day of Yoga in collaboration with a wide cross-section of groups at the Everest Cricket Club in 2015.
The HSS, in providing a background on the genesis of International World Yoga Day, outlined that it was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in his speech to the United Nations Assembly in New York on September 27, 2014, among other things, proposed to have a day in honour of Yoga.
Recognising the universal appeal of this form of meditation and exercise, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations decreed June 21, as International Yoga Day; in less than three months, Modi’s resolution became a reality. This day was proclaimed International World Yoga Day and is sanctioned in excess of 177 countries including the United States of America, Canada and China.
With the aim of raising awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga, International Yoga Day is now observed worldwide with activities such as Yoga asanas, meditation, meetings, discussions and cultural performances. Evidence of Yoga in the form of stone sculptures, uncovered in architecture dating back to over 3000BC, indicates that Yoga may be as old as civilisation. This activity, which originated in India, is known as an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. The word “yoga” derives from Sanskrit and means “to join” or “to unite”, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.
It has been reported that Yoga can be done by anyone regardless of age and gender since it holds numerous health benefits such as all-round fitness, stress relief, weight loss, increased energy and much more. Based on scientific reports, yoga is said to stabilise the mind and relief chronic illnesses while contributing to proper blood circulation and inner peace. It involved the integration of several practices including breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily posture. There are also different types of Yoga which involve physical, mental and spiritual concentration.
Today, Yoga is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
