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Ambassador’s Remarks at the Special Yoga Session (Ampefy, 25.2.2024)

Posted on: February 25, 2024 | Back | Print

Ambassador’s Remarks at the Special Yoga Session

(Ampefy, 25.2.2024)


His Excellency Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Madagascar H.E. Mr. Joel Randriamandranto

His Excellency Governor of Itasy Region H.E. Mr. Solofonirina Maherizo Andriamanana

Mayor of Ampefy Mr. Tojo Ratovondrahona

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar, Salama, Bonjour, Good Morning! It is my privilege to visit the beautiful town of Ampefy and to take part in today’s Yoga Session. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Governor of Itasy Region and Mayor of Ampefy for their support for this special event.

As you know, Yoga is an ancient Indian holistic practice of wellness, with a focus on unification of the body, mind and soul. The word “yoga” in Sanskrit language means “to join or unite” and it symbolizes the union of body and soul. At the initiative of the Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 had adopted a resolution declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. It is heartening to note that representatives of more than 180 countries participated in the celebrations of International Day of Yoga at the UN Headquarters in New York last year. On its part, the Embassy of India in Antananarivo conducts free Yoga classes every day to promote the benefits of yoga among the people of Madagascar. Last year, we also had the opportunity to mark the International Day of Yoga at Toamasina Port, coinciding with the visit of an Indian Naval Ship. 

In conclusion, I would  like to highlight that India, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, has been among the popular tourist destinations of the world. As the world’s fastest growing major economy, India is increasingly becoming a favored destination for medical tourism and higher education, especially for the people of Madagascar. The steady rise in disposable incomes of the Indian middle class is leading to an exponential growth in outbound tourism from India. I am confident that more Indian tourists will have the opportunity to visit the pristine beaches and exotic flora and fauna of Madagascar in the coming days. I would like to assure that Embassy will work closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts to increase mutual flows of tourism between our two countries, which are bound by centuries-old cultural linkages as close neighbors and fellow developing countries in the Indian Ocean Region. I once again welcome you to today’s special Yoga session in the picturesque town of Ampefy. Thank you!

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