28 Jun 2016

The Indian High Commission recently extended its celebrations of the International Day of Yoga to Francistown and Kasane.

In an interview with the High Commissioner, Dr Ketan Shukla said the day was celebrated for the first time last year. 

He said last year the celebrations were only in Gaborone and this year they decided to celebrate it in Francistown and Kasane as well.

He said there is a lot of the Indian community and other people interested in yoga in Francistown and Kasane hence the extension of the celebrations of the day to the two cities.

Dr Shukla said   as part of the BOT50 celebrations, the Indian High Commission will extend its diplomatic relations outside Gaborone.

He further said the day was celebrated in June 19 in Gaborone and more than 500 people from different nationalities including the former President of Botswana Sir Ketumile Masire attended.

Earlier when giving the day's speech, Dr Shukla said the United Nations General Assembly resolved that June 21 should be an International Day of Yoga as the date is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of world.

He explained that yoga was a physical, mental and spiritual practice which originated in India and there was evidence that suggested that the practice increased brain GABA levels and also improved mood and anxiety more than some metabolically-matched exercises such as walking. Ends