By Gloria Ikibah
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, has called on Nigerians to embrace yoga as a lifelong wellness practice capable of promoting healthy ageing, improving mental well-being and enhancing overall quality of life.
The envoy made the appeal on Saturday during the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration held at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja, where hundreds of participants gathered under the global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” 
Observed annually on 21 June, the International Day of Yoga was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the endorsement of 177 member states. The annual observance seeks to raise global awareness of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga while encouraging healthier and more balanced lifestyles.
This year’s celebration highlighted the role of yoga in supporting healthy ageing, especially as populations around the world continue to live longer and face increasing risks of chronic illnesses associated with old age.
Addressing participants, Singh described yoga as one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity, stressing that its benefits extend beyond physical exercise to include mental clarity, emotional balance and inner peace.
“Yoga has got many benefits, but I emphasise that this year’s theme is healthy ageing because we have seen that many times when you age, you get many ailments which can be avoidable through the practice of yoga.
“This is what we are going to convey to the masses—that if you practise yoga, you will be as youthful in your old age as you were in your youth. Practise yoga for good health and good ageing,” Singh said.
The colourful event attracted diplomats, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, students, Corps members, wellness enthusiasts and members of the Indian community in Nigeria, all united by a shared commitment to healthy living.
The High Commissioner noted that yoga remains increasingly relevant in a world characterised by demanding schedules, stress and lifestyle-related illnesses, as he said the practice provides an opportunity to reconnect with oneself while improving physical and mental health.
“In the fast-paced modern lives, yoga provides a dedicated space to breathe deeply, reduce stress and cultivate mental clarity. By combining gentle movements, stretching, breathing exercises and mindfulness, yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, strength and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and stress management,” he said.
He explained that yoga has evolved beyond its origins to become a universal language that promotes peace, wellness and harmony among people of different cultures and nationalities.
Reflecting on the significance of the Abuja celebration, Singh said the large turnout demonstrated the growing appreciation of yoga as a tool for healthier living and stronger social connections.
“The theme this year is Yoga for Healthy Ageing and everyone has now realised the importance of yoga not only for their physical well-being but also for their mental well-being.
“I have seen this great sea of humanity in the colours of the Indian flag—orange, white and green—and how it brings everyone across borders and languages together for the common purpose of uniting humanity for good health,” he said.
He also commended the National Sports Commission, officials of the High Commission of India, corporate partners and members of the community for contributing to the success of the event, urging participants to make yoga a daily habit rather than an occasional activity.
“Let us practise yoga to connect with ourselves and foster a sense of harmony and tranquillity that we can carry into our daily lives,” Singh said.
With growing evidence linking regular physical activity and mindfulness to improved health outcomes, advocates say yoga continues to gain recognition as a simple, accessible and cost-effective way to promote healthier living, reduce stress and support well-being across all stages of life.
