Opening Remarks by Honorable Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata’afa for International Day for Yoga 21st June 2024
SAMOA, June 20 - Venue: Matagialalua Friendship Park
Time: 4.30 – 6.00 PM
Mr Themba Kalua, UN Resident Coordinator,
Members of the Indian Community,
Friends and family
Today we commemorate the 10th International Yoga Day and reflect on the theme Yoga for Self and Society. It is encouraging to see many Yoga enthusiasts waiting to participate here today. Yoga is about synchronizing one’s body, mind and soul to improve physical fitness and flexibility, mental and emotional balance and one’s wellbeing.
Yoga for Self and Society is a fitting concept in keeping at this day and age incorporating the fa’a-Samoa. We all have experienced that if a member of our family is not keeping well, lives of all other members are affected. So, while we take care of our health and wellbeing, we also become responsible towards society. Yoga when practiced, exhibits a positive energy that creates a flow effect to people around you. They could be your family members, colleagues in the workplace, clients, friends and/or relatives. It’s the same principle that guided the thought of the Honourable Prime Minister of India in proposing this International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly and to enable the flow effect of Yoga to the entire world.
We know like any other type of exercise Yoga has a strong and positive influence on various types of non-communicable diseases. Today I want to highlight here that these yoga techniques have a unique advantage above other types of exercises. It has immense potential to address the mental health issues, which remain a concern for us and the communities at large.
I would urge the Indian Community to take this initiative to a next level and create Yoga Champions among the Youth groups, who can subsequently play a key role among their peers. They can be a torchbearer for spreading the magic of Yoga and to help our communities become mentally and emotionally strong and capable individuals.
Thank you to the Indian Community here in Samoa for organizing and continuing this initiative of Yoga in Samoa. A big round of applause for the Indian Community and our organizers and especially our keen participants, family and friends.
Please enjoy today’s program and may it be fulfilling and serve as a continued life experience.
Soifua.
Photo by Government of Samoa (Leaosā Fa’aifo Fa’aifo)
