Yoga is more than just a form of exercise — it is a practice that supports mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing while promoting peace and unity, said Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Prof. Biman Prasad.
Speaking at the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Suva, Prof. Prasad reflected on the significance of yoga in today’s fast-paced world and its growing appeal across cultures and communities.
“Yoga is more than exercise — it is a powerful tool for mental, physical, and spiritual wellness that fosters unity and peace.”
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” echoing the global call for sustainable living, individual wellness, and collective responsibility.
The event brought together a cross-section of Fijians, community leaders, and diplomatic representatives, including from the High Commission of India in Fiji, who have helped support and promote the practice locally.
Prof. Prasad highlighted the increasing relevance of yoga in daily life, especially in helping people manage stress and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Prof. Prasad said yoga offers a way to “reconnect with nature, live more sustainably, and build mental resilience — values that resonate deeply with Pacific traditions.”
“Yoga teaches us balance, mindfulness and responsibility — not just towards our own health, but towards our communities and our planet.”
The International Day of Yoga, observed annually on 21 June, was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly. The date was selected to mark the summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and one that holds spiritual significance in many traditions. Since its inception in 2015, the day has been celebrated globally in over 190 countries, with millions participating in public yoga sessions, educational events, and wellness activities.
In Fiji, the practice has gained wide acceptance, with participants from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Prof. Prasad acknowledged the Indo-Fijian community’s role in embedding yoga into the nation’s multicultural identity.
“Yoga is one of the many cultural gifts that enriches our nation. It is a cultural bridge between Fiji and India, and a symbol of shared values such as peace, unity, and inner strength.”
He also commended India’s efforts in promoting yoga on the world stage:
“Yoga is now celebrated worldwide thanks to India’s successful advocacy for the United Nations to declare June 21st as the International Day of Yoga.”
The deputy prime minister also used the occasion to highlight the strength of Fiji–India relations, noting the deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Highlighting the historic State Visit of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu ji, to Fiji in 2024, and recent ministerial engagements, Prof. Prasad said:
“Our partnership with India touches every area of development — from healthcare and agriculture to education, IT, and energy. The 100-bedded Super Speciality Hospital being built with India’s support is one of the largest development projects in the Pacific and a major boost to healthcare in our region.”
He concluded his address by encouraging all Fijians to explore the benefits of yoga:
“Everyone should give yoga a try. Even a few minutes a day can transform your health, mindset, and quality of life. Let us each live more mindfully and promote peace — within ourselves and in our communities.”
As more Pacific nations engage with wellness and sustainability through traditional and global practices, yoga continues to serve not only as a personal discipline but also as a symbol of cooperation, culture and shared humanity.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
