Experience of International Conference on Yoga in Durban, South Africa

 I was fortunate to be a delegate in the first International Yoga Conference “Yoga for Self and Society” took place in Durban, South Africa organized by the Indian Council for Culture relations (ICCR) from 27-28 June. It was focused on the role and power of Yoga in promoting health, happiness and harmony for self and society. 

 The Conference included presentations and panel discussions on ‘Yoga in Africa: Current status & future potential’ and ‘Yoga for Self and Society’. I took part in the panel discussion on ‘Yoga in Africa' and shared my experience of practicing Yoga in Egypt and discussed benefits of Yoga, as well as misconceptions about Yoga and how to get a clear view on Yoga. 

 The second panel discussion was on ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ and the role of Yoga in promoting health and addressing social issues such as unemployment, arising health issues due to psychosomatic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. I participated in this Peer-to-Peer discussion and find it highly beneficial for moving forward with our Yoga practices.

Status of Yoga in Egypt

 With Egypt being one of 177 countries voting for adopting the 21st of June as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in the United Nations Assembly in 2014 as suggested by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to spread awareness about the benefits of Yoga worldwide. Egyptian Yoga enthusiasts participate eagerly in IDY events organized by the Indian Embassy every year in many cities of Egypt. In the last few years, Yoga has gained immense popularity in Egypt and now, hundreds of Yoga centers are working in different parts of Egypt providing Yoga training. There are many Yoga teachers in Egypt practicing Yoga in schools, universities, gyms, studios etc.

 Yoga was popularized to the extent that in one Local TV channel Show a common man was interviewed in the street about Yoga and he said that he heard about Yoga from his son who told him that it’s good for memory, concentration and study. Teachers face other challenges such as misconceptions about Yoga with the idea of it being a religious practice, which requires proper knowledge and clear understanding from the teacher's side. 

Benefits of Yoga

 Yoga has many benefits on the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual level. Yoga is more than just physical exercise; it enforces the holistic concept of health and well-being which is modernly defined by the WHO. On the physical level it helps to maintain a healthy body and reduces stress and anxiety. Mentally, it helps attain mental balance and offers us a path to inner peace and resilience.

  On a societal level it teaches patience, discipline, confidence and the art of living in the present moment. It has the power to bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. Spiritually, it works as a self-discovery tool which promotes peace, happiness and provides a pathway for collective healing and harmony. Yoga is a valuable gift of ancient Indian civilization to the world. Yoga is part of India’s intangible cultural heritage, which has emerged as a global brand and is now being practiced in all parts of the world. 

Indian Culture Centre Yoga training

 The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian culture (MACIC) in Cairo is key in spreading Yoga in Egypt. It conducts regular Yoga classes for different age groups. It celebrates International Day of Yoga in different cities of Egypt. It also organizes special sessions and workshops in clubs, schools and universities.

 Over the past 10 years, it held hundreds of events in different cities of Egypt and promoted Yoga among Egyptians as well as dispelled all misconceptions about Yoga. This year, the Indian culture center held a 100-hour advanced Yoga training program which was refreshing and shared more Yogic knowledge to many students and instructors.