India Leads 12th Int’l Yoga Day Celebration in Monrovia | News

The Embassy of India in Monrovia on 21 June 2026 marked the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with a vibrant celebration held at Monrovia City Hall, bringing together more than 200 participants in a global observance dedicated this year to the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

The event attracted a diverse gathering, including members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, United Nations representatives, members of the Indian community, participants from the ITEC Alumni Association of Liberia, students, and yoga enthusiasts from across the country, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in Liberia.

The ceremony was attended as Chief Guest by Nat Bayjay, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Information. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, representing Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto; V. Marshal Sambola, Assistant Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications; Emmanuel Fred, Assistant Minister for Operations at the same ministry; and Stevenson T. Seidi, Deputy Director General for Cultural Heritage at the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA).

Also in attendance were Bang’yela A. Gang, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Cameroon to Liberia; Dr. Mady Biaye, Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia; and Mr. Alaskai Moore Johnson, Acting President of the Liberia Association of Indian-Trained Professionals (LAITP), alongside other diplomats including the Ambassador of Cuba and representatives of UN agencies.

In his keynote address, Manoj Bihari Verma, Ambassador of India to Liberia, described yoga as one of India’s most significant contributions to global well-being, emphasizing its relevance in promoting health, harmony, and inner peace across societies.

“Yoga is one of India’s most valuable contributions to humanity,” he said, noting that this year’s theme underscores its importance in promoting healthier lives as populations age.

He explained that yoga supports “healthy ageing by enhancing physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional balance, and resilience,” stressing that its benefits extend far beyond physical exercise.

The Ambassador further described yoga as a holistic way of life, stating that it fosters harmony between body and mind while encouraging self-awareness and continuous personal development. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing yoga globally in the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—The World is One Family—and expressed appreciation for its growing acceptance in Liberia.

Other speakers at the event echoed similar sentiments, highlighting yoga’s importance in promoting physical health, mental wellness, active ageing, and social cohesion. They noted its relevance in addressing modern health challenges and its potential to contribute to a more balanced and healthier society.

A major highlight of the celebration was a guided yoga session led by Ms. Massa Mamey Clarke, Founder of Flow Studios Monrovia. Participants engaged in various yoga postures and breathing exercises based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), a standardized routine developed by India’s Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with leading yoga experts.

Since its introduction in 2015, the Common Yoga Protocol has served as the global framework for International Day of Yoga celebrations, bringing together millions of participants worldwide each year on 21 June.

As part of the broader celebrations, the Embassy of India had earlier organized a painting competition on the theme of yoga for students of Aware International School. During the event, winners and participants were awarded medals and certificates in recognition of their creativity and engagement.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from participants and dignitaries to promote peace, wellness, unity, and healthy living through yoga, reinforcing its growing impact in Liberia as part of the global International Day of Yoga movement.