MONROVIA, LIBERIA- In a historic move, the Embassy of India near Monrovia on Sunday, June 21, 2026, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the Monrovia City Hall under the global theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by more than 200 yoga enthusiasts, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Liberian Government, United Nations agencies, the Indian community, ITEC Alumni Association of Liberia, and students.
According to the Indian Embassy near Monrovia, the event was graced by Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Hon. Nat Bayjay, as the Chief Guest, while Assistant Health Minister for Curative Services, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, represented Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto.
The dispatch is quoted as saying that the event was also attended by Assistant Post & Telecommunications Minister for Administration and Operations, V Marshal Sambola, Emmanuel Fred, and the Acting President of Liberia Association of Indian-Trained Professionals, Alaskai Moore Johnson, respectively.
Liberia’s National Tourism Authority Deputy Director General for Cultural Heritage, Stevenson T Seidi, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon Ambassador to Liberia, Bang’yela A. Gang, and Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Dr. Mady Biaye, were also part of the event.
At the start of the celebration, Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, highlighted yoga as one of India’s most valuable gifts to humanity and emphasized its universal appeal in promoting health, harmony, and inner peace.
Ambassador Verma noted that as people live longer lives, yoga offers an effective pathway to healthy ageing by supporting physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional balance and resilience, underscoring that yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a holistic way of life that nurtures harmony between body and mind and encourages self-awareness and continuous self-development.
The Indian Ambassador also reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing the benefits of yoga with the world in the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and expressed appreciation for the growing popularity of yoga in Liberia.
Meanwhile, participants highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting physical health, mental wellness, active ageing, and social harmony. They also emphasized yoga’s relevance in addressing contemporary health challenges and its role in fostering a healthier and more balanced society.
The celebration featured a guided yoga session led by Ms. Massa Mamey Clarke, founder of Flow Studios Monrovia. During the session, participants practiced various yoga postures and breathing techniques from the Common Yoga Protocol, a standardized Yoga routine developed by the Indian Ministry of AYUSH in consultation with some of India’s most eminent Yoga experts.
Launched in 2015, the Common Yoga Protocol serves as the structured yoga practice for the annual celebration of the International Day of Yoga, followed by millions of participants across the world on 21 June each year.
As part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations, a painting competition on the theme of yoga had earlier been organized for students of Aware International School. During the event, medals and certificates were awarded to the winners and participants in recognition of their creativity and enthusiastic participation.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting the message of peace, health, well-being, and unity through the practice of yoga.