Shanghai, May 31: The Indian Consul General in Shanghai, Prateek Mathur, inaugurated two special curtain-raiser events on Sunday. These events were organized in anticipation of the 12th International Yoga Day, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for yoga and Indian wellness traditions in Eastern China.
The first event featured a unique yoga camp, recognized as the largest volunteer-run blood donation campaign in East Asia. Addressing the participants at the yoga camp, Consul General Mathur emphasized the role of yoga and AYUSH-based wellness practices in promoting preventive healthcare, holistic well-being, and a healthy lifestyle.
He highlighted how yoga’s focus on physical health, mental resilience, and community service aligns perfectly with the spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility exemplified by the blood donation camp. Following this, Mathur also spoke at the opening ceremony of the annual East China Indian Community Badminton Tournament.
He expressed gratitude to the Indian community for their active participation in raising awareness and understanding of yoga in the region. Mathur noted that Eastern China has emerged as a significant hub for yoga practice, with increasing participation from individuals of diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
Approximately 500 people attended both events. He stressed that yoga today represents a shared cultural heritage of humanity, transcending national and cultural boundaries while contributing to global health and wellness efforts.
These events were part of the consulate’s ongoing outreach activities leading up to the International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations on June 21, which is expected to involve the Indian community, Chinese friends of India, yoga practitioners, students, and wellness enthusiasts from Eastern China.
This year, the theme for the 12th International Yoga Day is “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” highlighting the importance of yoga for individuals of all ages. According to an official statement from the United Nations, yoga can be a valuable practice for healthy aging, supporting various capabilities that help people remain active and self-sufficient as they age.
Yoga can enhance balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility while aiding in mental health and stress management. Since yoga can be adapted to different fitness levels and health conditions, it offers many seniors an accessible way to maintain their physical and emotional well-being.
These benefits align with several goals of the WHO’s Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030), including promoting autonomy, reducing the risk of falls, enhancing quality of life, and fostering a person-centered approach to health and wellness.
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