JAMMU, Jun 20: In celebration of the International Day of Yoga, Natrang organized a special interactive talk show at it’s studio theatre featuring eminent theatre personality and cultural ambassador Balwant Thakur, who shared inspiring experiences from his global journey of promoting yoga and highlighted its extraordinary impact across continents.
Addressing a gathering of yoga enthusiasts, students, artists, and cultural practitioners, Balwant Thakur reflected upon the historic moment when the United Nations, in 2014, unanimously adopted India’s proposal to declare 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. At that time, Thakur was serving with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs-the premier organization entrusted with taking India’s rich cultural heritage, including yoga, to the world.
During his tenure as a Cultural Diplomat of India earlier in South Africa and later in Mauritius, Thakur played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of yoga among diverse communities. He described yoga as one of the most powerful instruments of India’s soft power, transcending geographical, linguistic, religious, and cultural boundaries to unite humanity through the universal message of health, harmony, and inner peace.
Sharing vivid memories from the COVID-19 pandemic, Thakur emphasized that yoga emerged as a beacon of hope during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. As fear, uncertainty, and isolation gripped societies worldwide, millions turned to yoga for physical fitness, emotional resilience, mental well-being, and spiritual strength. Indian Cultural Centres across the globe conducted extensive virtual yoga sessions, workshops, and wellness campaigns, connecting with people in every corner of the world. These initiatives witnessed unprecedented participation and significantly enhanced global awareness about the therapeutic and preventive benefits of yoga.
Thakur also narrated fascinating anecdotes about organizing massive International Day of Yoga celebrations at iconic venues such as the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the historic Apravasi Ghat in Port Louis, Mauritius. These landmark events attracted thousands of participants and demonstrated yoga’s remarkable ability to bring people together in a spirit of collective well-being and cultural appreciation.
Highlighting yoga’s transformational journey from an ancient Indian tradition to a global movement, Thakur stated that today yoga stands as one of India’s greatest gifts to humanity. Its worldwide acceptance has not only improved the quality of life of millions but has also strengthened India’s cultural diplomacy, enhancing the nation’s image as a source of wisdom, wellness, and peace. The session concluded with participants expressing gratitude for India’s timeless contribution to global health and human harmony through yoga.