A vibrant gathering of approximately 200 yoga devotees took place at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva, marking the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025. This notable celebration was organized by the High Commission of India in Suva and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad served as the chief guest. Since the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in December 2014, this date has been a focal point for promoting yoga globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing a vision of global well-being through yoga practices.
Modi expressed, “We wish to make the whole world healthy through yoga,” underlining India’s commitment to enhancing global health through the holistic advantages of yoga. In his address, Mr. Prasad highlighted yoga as an essential tool for attaining harmony of body, mind, and spirit, particularly in today’s high-pressure environment. He pointed out yoga’s inherent simplicity, accessibility, and its potential to boost mental resilience, promote preventive health, and encourage sustainable living.
Aligning with the “One Year, One Health” theme, Mr. Prasad noted yoga’s role in fostering a connection with nature and endorsing Pacific values of environmental stewardship. He expressed gratitude towards the Indo-Fijian community for introducing yoga to Fiji, describing it as a cultural bridge that symbolizes shared global values such as peace, unity, and inner strength. Mr. Prasad also acknowledged the efforts of the High Commission of India in promoting yoga and raising awareness of its benefits throughout Fiji.
India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta, in his welcoming remarks, expressed appreciation for the Fijian community’s enthusiastic participation, reflecting the deep ties between India and Fiji in the pursuit of holistic health. He noted the event’s aim to showcase yoga as a transformative practice that surpasses individual health, addressing broader global challenges like mental health, climate change, and social discord.
Mr. Mehta commended Fiji’s increasing adoption of yoga in schools and communities, including the recently established Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa. The celebration of IDY also extended beyond Suva, with additional events in Nadi, Labasa, Lautoka, and Rakiraki. Furthermore, commemorations were held in Tarawa, Kiribati, and Nuku’alofa, Tonga, highlighting a collective embrace of yoga across regional borders.
The International Day of Yoga at GPH successfully united hundreds of participants, including government officials, diplomatic members, leaders from the business community, and representatives from the Indian diaspora. In the run-up to this event, the SVCC facilitated 40 yoga sessions across eight schools and two diaspora organizations, ensuring that the essence of IDY 2025 resonated throughout the region.
This celebration not only showcased the importance of yoga as a unifying practice but also reaffirmed its potential to create a peaceful, healthier, and more sustainable future, echoing the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “The world is one family.”