MONROVIA — More than hundreds of participants from Liberia gathered at Monrovia City Hall on Sunday, June 21 as the Embassy of India celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY), highlighting the role of yoga in promoting health, wellness and healthy aging.
By Patience M. Jones
Held under the global theme:, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of United Nations Agencies, the Indian Community, students and yoga enthusiasts in a vibrant display of unity and wellness.
Delivering the keynote address, India’s Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, described yoga as one of India’s greatest gifts to humanity and emphasized its universal appeal in fostering physical health, mental well-being and inner peace.
“Yoga is a timeless practice that transcends boundaries, cultures, languages and generations,” Ambassador Verma said.
“It is a pathway to healthier and more balanced lives, helping individuals achieve harmony between body and mind.”
The Ambassador noted that this year’s theme is particularly relevant as people around the world are living longer lives.
He stressed that yoga offers a practical and effective means of maintaining physical fitness, emotional balance, resilience and dignity throughout the aging process.
He further reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing the benefits of yoga globally through the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—meaning “The World is One Family.”
Representing Minister of Health, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services, praised the Embassy of India for its continued partnership in promoting health and wellness.
Dr. Moore highlighted yoga’s scientifically proven benefits, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases and stress-related conditions.
“In a world increasingly challenged by lifestyle diseases and mental stress, yoga provides an accessible and low-cost solution that promotes physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional well-being,” she said.
She encouraged participants to embrace the principles of balance, discipline, and mindfulness and apply them in their daily lives as Liberia works toward building a healthier and more resilient society.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Mady Biaye, Acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Liberia, underscored the importance of yoga in supporting healthy aging amid global demographic changes.
“Our world is undergoing a profound demographic shift. People are living longer than ever before,” Dr. Biaye said.
“The challenge is not only adding years to life, but adding life to those years.” He pointed out that yoga promotes flexibility, balance, strength, mental well-being, and social connectedness, making it an important tool in advancing the goals of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
The celebration featured a guided yoga session led by Ms. Massa Mamey Clarke, founder of Flow Studios Monrovia. Participants practiced a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises from the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), a standardized yoga routine developed by India’s Ministry of AYUSH in consultation with leading yoga experts.
Distinguished guests attending the event included Nat Bayjay, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Information, who served as Chief Guest, Bang’yela A. Gang, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Cameroon to Liberia, officials from the Ministries of Health and Posts & Telecommunications, representatives of the Liberia National Tourism Authority, members of the Liberia Association of Indian-Trained Professionals (LAITP), diplomats and representatives of United Nations Agencies.
As part of the celebrations, the Embassy of India also organized a painting competition for students of Aware International School on the theme of yoga.
Winners and participants were recognized with medals and certificates for their creativity and enthusiastic participation.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by participants and organizers to promote peace, health, well-being and unity through the practice of yoga, reinforcing its growing popularity and impact in Liberia.
As the rain fell outside Monrovia City Hall, the strong turnout served as a testament to yoga’s increasing appeal in Liberia and its enduring message of harmony, resilience, and healthy living.
