Envoys, diplomats celebrate Yoga Day; Jaishankar says its growing reach and acceptance is evident

Nearly 60 ambassadors of various countries stretched and bent in different yogic postures in unison here to mark the International Day of Yoga, with many hailing the ancient practice as a "wonderful contribution" of India to the world.

The envoys as well as several senior diplomats from India and other countries rolled out the mats and performed various 'asanas' in a capacious hall at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Chanakyapuri at a Yoga Day event hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in his address said, "Its (Yoga's) growing reach and acceptance is evident everywhere and I am sure particularly in the countries that are represented here."
Ambassador of Germany Walter J Lindner, who came to the event wearing white kurta-pyjama, after the function said, "I feel a bit exhausted, but happy."
Jaishankar later also tweeted about the event, "56 countries. 7 organisations. 250 diplomats on yoga mats @MEAIndia As PM @narendramodi said: "Yoga for all and all for yoga" #International Day of Yoga". And added, "Appreciate the enthusiastic participation of the diplomatic community in Delhi. Wishing you all health, happiness and peace through yoga!"
Earlier in his address, the Union minister said, when the prime minister had called for observing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014, the proposal received an "unprecedented response."