Diplomats from 25 nations join Yoga Day celebrations in Rishikesh; Explore investment, tourism ties in U'khand
Haridwar: Ambassadors and high commissioners from over 25 countries participated in the 11th
celebrations held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh on Saturday. The event highlighted this year's global theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' underscoring India's message of universal harmony and well-being.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Ashram president Swami Chidanand Saraswati, addressing the gathering, said the theme reflected the Indian ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world as one family. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, also speaking at the event, highlighted yoga's transformative potential beyond physical health. "It is not just a physical practice, but a way of life that harmonises the body, mind, and soul, and helps us remain calm under all circumstances," she said.
Meanwhile, a separate delegation of diplomats from eight countries participated in Yoga Day events held in Gairsain and later held discussions with senior state govt officials in Haridwar on tourism, culture, and investment. The delegates expressed keen interest in investing in different sectors across Uttarakhand.
The visiting dignitaries also attended the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, where they were warmly welcomed by members of the Ganga Sabha.
Several diplomats shared their emotional responses to the spiritual experience. A representative from Fiji, speaking in Hindi, highlighted the 140-year-old historical and cultural bond between his country and India. Sri Lanka's envoy, a Buddhist, recalled ties between the two nations dating back to the Ramayana era and hinted at future collaboration in tourism.
The Russian diplomat praised the state govt for organising the programme.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"It gave us an opportunity to know about the state's rituals, spirituality, yoga, and Ayurveda. Attending the aarti was an overwhelming experience," she said.
The meeting with delegates was attended by senior state officials including – Vinai Ruhela, vice-president of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), culture secretary Sachin Kurvey, tourism secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal, and additional secretary Ayush Vijai Kumar Jogdande. During presentations, Kurvey showcased the state's infrastructural growth and tourism potential, while industries director GM Chandola outlined the govt's industry-friendly policies and investment opportunities in Uttarakhand.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Students stuck in Israel hope for early exit
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: Students stranded in Israel hoped for an early exit from the country after Iran escalated strikes on Israel following the US bomber jets striking three nuclear facilities in Iran. The first batch of 160 Indians left Jordan on Sunday. "We are waiting for the next list of evacuees to be published by the Indian embassy in Israel. They are picking up students and other evacuees from different areas and taking them to Jordan," said Sayantan Maiti, a Barrackpore resident who is pursuing research at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. While the first batch reached Jordan by Sunday afternoon, the journey was not bereft of missile threats. The bus had to halt after sirens went off twice. The bus was parked at the nearest public shelter, and the passengers took cover. "There were armed forces on the bus, and the driver was skilled in handling emergency situations. But such a situation always breeds fear. There are long stretches with nothing but fields, where there is no possibility of finding a shelter," said Maiti. On Sunday morning, Priyangana Deb from Kolkata, pursuing post-doctoral research at the Medicine and Health Science Faculty of Tel Aviv University, said: "There could be an escalation of offensive by Iran after the US attack. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오돌토돌 모공각화증, 자꾸 손대지말고 이렇게 해보세요 현명한소비자 Undo I don't know when my turn will come." Salboni resident Aniruddha Bera, who was initially in two minds about leaving Israel, went to the bus stop on Sunday to see off friends who were picked up from Tel Aviv. "He is a bit tense now after recent developments. We don't think he will be able to get listed before Tuesday," said Asim Bera, his father. Additionally, family members of 100 workers from Nadia are also hoping for their safe return from Israel, where most of them had gone to work as construction workers. According to sources, at least 30 workers from Lalbazar in Betai are currently in Israel. "My sons Sanjib and Sujit are working in Israel. They said missile alerts went off suddenly, and they rushed to shelters. For some days, they have practically been living inside bunkers," said Goshto Charan Biswas, a resident of Betai.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Odisha slams US advisory cautioning travel to state over Maoist threat
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A US travel advisory cautioning its citizens from visiting India citing concerns over sexual assaults and Maoists activities in six states, including Odisha, has come in for criticism from the Odisha govt, which considers it a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of PM Narendra Modi and the nation. "As India emerges as the world's fourth-largest economy, US's conspiracy and false narratives through the travel advisory seem designed to undermine our growing global influence under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Foreign nations, including the US, are unable to accept and digest India's economic progress and global influence," state law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said, while rebutting the US claims. The Level-2 advisory issued on June 16, a day after a 20-year-old student was gang-raped by 10 men at Gopalpur beach, stated, "rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations." The advisory cautions against travel to parts of central and eastern India due to terrorism and Maoist activities. "Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected," it added. "Due to the changing nature of the threat, US government employees working in India are required to obtain permission prior to travelling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Odisha," the advisory went on to say. Harichandan said while the United States grapples with violent crimes, it chooses to issue "misleading advisory" about India and Odisha. "Trump should be very much aware that violent crimes like riots and atrocities on women are alarming in the US. The Centre and Odisha govt know how to address issues in our country. Trump and foreign countries should not interfere. Ministry of External Affairs will address the travel advisory issue through proper diplomatic channels," the minister said. Regarding security concerns, the minister pointed out that Maoist presence has significantly gone down in Odisha, aligning with the central govt's goal to eliminate their influence across India by March 2026. Addressing the recent Gopalpur beach gang-rape case, he emphasised, "Whenever any crime has occurred in Odisha, the perpetrators were arrested within 24 or 48 hours. Prompt action has already been taken in the Gopalpur gang-rape incident. Six fast-track courts will soon be set up in Odisha to ensure that trials in cases of crimes against women are completed in one month." Odisha Police also rebuffed the US advisory. ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar said, "The content of the advisory is false. Odisha is a safe place for visitors and tourists. Odisha Police have been taking strong action against criminals involved in crimes against women. Prosecution and conviction of the accused in such heinous offences is also a focus area of Odisha Police." Meanwhile, apprehending a decline in the arrival of international tourists, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha said, "We urge the Indian embassies abroad to present factual information backed by official statistics about the decreasing LWE activities in Odisha."
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Kol geography prof reaches Iran's Mashhad, registers for evacuation
Kolkata: Falguni Dey, the geography professor from Kolkata stranded in war-wrecked Iran, managed to reach Mashhad on Saturday midnight after driving 1,500 km through chaotic and desolate roads. On Sunday, he registered himself for evacuation on Mahan Air flights operating from there to evacuate Indians. Dey left Astara in Iran in the early hours of Friday and travelled from the northwest end of the country to the west of Tehran, moving across areas damaged by missile strikes. By the time he left Astara, both Azerbaijan and Armenia had declined to issue a visa to him, leaving him with the last option to get evacuated from Mashhad. "The roads were empty, and an eerie silence could be witnessed all across. There were police check posts at regular intervals. I was stopped by the police at a place 100 km from Mashhad. They questioned me and searched my belongings for nearly two hours. I was getting delayed but I had to comply," said Dey. He reached Mashhad around 1 am on Sunday and got in touch with the Indian embassy officials there. The presence of the Indian community in Mashhad, and an elaborate arrangement by the embassy, made him feel at home after a long time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo "It was such a big relief for me. Finally, I had proper food to eat and a bed to sleep in. I felt like I was home," he said. In the past six days, he has travelled nearly 2,500 km across Iran, passed through dangerous areas in the war-ravaged country, slept on mosque floors, went without food most of the time, and tried to keep his morale high in the face of adversity. On Sunday morning, he woke up and reached the Indian embassy's temporary desk set up at a nearby hotel. The desks operate in two shifts, and evacuees register themselves. Once a list is prepared, the Indian embassy takes them home on Iran-based Mahan Air flights. "There are a number of Kashmiri students who got stuck here. There are others, too, from different parts of India. Each one has a story to tell on how they survived the last seven days in a country which has suddenly turned into a war field. At least they are safe now, and soon, they will be evacuated," Dey said.
