Leh, June 26: The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) successfully concluded the valedictory function of the week-long International Festival of Yoga & Meditation 2024, commemorating the 10th United Nations International Day of Yoga.
The event, which began on June 21, 2024, at the Astroturf Stadium, attracted over 1,000 participants from around the world and has been recorded in the World Book of Records.
The festival was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr. Brig B.D. Mishra. The opening day included a vibrant morning session at the Astroturf Stadium, followed by an afternoon session at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).
The second day, June 22, featured a serene morning session at Sindhu Ghat and an insightful afternoon session at the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa. On June 23, participants experienced yoga at the world’s highest saltwater lake, where the event was recorded in the World Book of Records for its unique location and scale. A certificate was awarded to MIMC for organizing such a significant yoga event with more than 1,000 participants.
The festival continued with a symposium on June 24 at the University of Ladakh, and another on June 25 at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR). The final day, June 26, featured a session at the Mahabodhi Residential Higher Secondary School, culminating in the valedictory function. The main participants and speakers during this week-long festival included Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi, Former Director, National Institute of Morarji Desai, Dr. Naveen K. Visweswariah, Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam, All Imam Organization India, Goswami Sushil Maharaj, Shartse Khensur Rinpochey Jangchup Choeden, Gen Sec, IBC Most Venerable Samanthabadra Mahathero, revered and respected Monk from Sri Lanka, Dr. Markandey Rai, Swami Dayadhipananda, Sushri Ganga Nandini, Mahesh Agarwal, Dr. Binny Sareen, Deepak Sharma, and others.
The festival was organized in partnership with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, Hill Council Leh, University of Ladakh, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of AYUSH, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and several other esteemed organizations.
Chief guests for this valedictory event were Dr. Indresh Kumar, Senior Leader and National Working Committee Member of RSS and Chief Patron of Sindhu Darshan Yatra, and Most Venerable Samanthabadra Mahathero, a revered and respected monk from Sri Lanka. During this event, many prominent and respected people of Ladakh and members of MIMC were present, including Shri Tsering Sampel, Vice President of MIMC and former MLA, Padmashri Murup Namgyal, member of MIMC, Venerable Nyantak, member of MIMC, and many more.
Among the many participants were more than 40 people from Sri Lanka, including Rohitha Rajapaksa, son of former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa. He read out a letter from his father to the audience, discussing the significance of the week-long International Festival of Yoga & Meditation. Additionally, video messages and written messages from prominent yogis such as Swami Baba Ramdev and Swami Chidananda were shared, emphasizing the universal appeal of yoga and its benefits for physical and mental well-being.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners, participants, and supporters who contributed to the success of this monumental event. The International Festival of Yoga & Meditation 2024 not only celebrated the universal appeal of yoga and meditation but also highlighted Ladakh’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
