International Yoga Day 2018

Let me warmly welcome you to the UN Eco House to commemoration of the fourth International Yoga Day which was marked few days ago, on 21st of June. I would like to thank the Indian Embassy for initiative and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for recognising UN as a partner to organise this event in Montenegro second year in a raw.

Nowadays, like never before, we live in a complex world where stress and delusion are prevalent, influencing our quality of life on many levels, but most of all our mental and physical health. In our UN’s service to humanity, physical and mental health are at the core of UN's and Government’s commitment to ensure good health and well-being through Agenda 2030 – a global framework for sustainable development which puts forward Good Health and Well-being through the Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Balance in life is essential to living a long and healthy life. That is why the ancient Indian physical and mental practice of Yoga can play a central role for wellness and peace of our mind and body. When it comes to mental health, Yoga helps in achieving balance, maintaining focus, stress relief and concentration improvement. On the other side, for physical health Yoga benefits to improved respiration, energy and vitality; balanced metabolism, cardio and circulatory health, increased flexibility, weight reduction, etc.

Growing popularity of Yoga over the years and it's increasing embracement worldwide is clear indication that "yoga works" for all, regardless of race, age and culture – for all people across societies, age, gender, ethnicity and profession.

Most of you know that the word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. In this spirit of unification let me wish you pleasant time in today’s Yoga class in the yard of UN Eco House.

Thank you.