Gangandharan Balasubramanian, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to embrace yoga practice to improve their physical and mental well-being.

The High Commissioner told reporters on Saturday in Abuja that yoga should be seen as another form of exercise that helps condition the body and mind for optimum benefit.

“Yoga is a form of exercise that is very good for physical and mental well-being; it can also help enhance vitality, focus and productivity,” Mr Balasubramanian said.

He said in view of the enormous benefits of yoga, the High Commission in Abuja had opened free yoga classes for members of the public, which would also help to deepen relations between both countries.

“I am happy to announce to the Nigerian public that we have opened our free yoga classes at the High Commission of India, Abuja, so our Nigerian friends should avail themselves of this opportunity.

“We have an excellent facilitator (Mr Dipitiranjan Mohanty), who has a PhD in yoga and has been sent by the government of India to the mission.

“The classes are, of course, free from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (after registration), and we believe this will help improve our health; also deepen relations between both countries,” he said.

The High Commissioner assured that plans were underway to strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between both countries.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice from India.

The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit, meaning to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.

As part of the growing appeal for yoga, the United Nations, on December 11, 2014, proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of yoga by resolution 69/131.

(NAN)