Birgunj (Nepal),June 21, 2023
As part of the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India @ 75) and to commemorate the 9th International
Day of Yoga, the Consulate General of India, Birgunj (Nepal) organized a series of Yoga sessions in the areas under the
jurisdiction of Consulate. The celebrations started with curtain raiser event on May 23, 2023 inside the premises of
Consulate which witnessed participation of people from different sections of the society. The second session was held at
Narayani Riverside, Bharatpur, Chitwan on June 17, 2023 with participation of over 700 people. The third session was
conducted at Tirhutiya Gachhi, Janakpurdham, Birgunj on June 19, 2023 which witnessed participation of over 800 people.
In continuation of the yoga celebrations, the Consulate organized the final Yoga session at Shankaracharya Gate (IndoNepal border), Birgunj on June 21, 2023 @0600 hrs to celebrate the International Day of Yoga while highlighting the depth
of Indo-Nepal relations. This was the very first time that International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the Shankaracharya
Gate which is situated at approximately 500 mtrs. from the International border between India and Nepal and is also a
symbol of India- Nepal relations.
2. Shri Ramesh Prasad Kurmi, Hon’ble Minister for Forest and Environment, Madhesh Pradesh graced the occasion
as Chief guest and was welcomed by Shri Tarun Kumar, Acting Consul General, Consulate General of India, Birgunj. The
Yoga session witnessed participation of over 450 people including Chief District Officer of Parsa, Superintendent and
Deputy Superintendent of Armed Police Force, Parsa, Shri Dila Ram Panthi (Chief Customs Officer, Birgunj Customs Office),
Shri Ashok Baid (President, Nepal Bharat Sahayog Manch), Shri Sanjoy Bhattacharyya (Factory Manager, Unilever Nepal),
Shri Kilash Ram Chaurasiya (HOO, Dabur Nepal Pvt Ltd., Bara), Office bearers of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and
Industries, members of Nepal India Friendship Association, Parsa, members of Patanjali Yog Samiti-Parsa, members of
Brahmakumaris, Birgunj, members of electronic and print media, officers and officials of Consulate along with their family
members and other distinguished guests.
3. In his opening remarks, Shri Tarun Kumar, Acting Consul General, CGI, Birgunj informed the participants about this
year’s theme of Yoga i.e. “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He further mentioned about the UN General Assembly’s
approval with record support of 175 member states for celebrating June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in the year
2014. He also informed the participants about the immense benefits of Yoga which touches the Physical, mental,
emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of life and it provides a holistic approach to people’s health and well-being.
Yoga is advised for several chronic diseases like Heart disease, diabetes and asthma, etc. He further deliberated the
importance of Shankarachaya Gate which is also called the “Gateway of Nepal”. He mentioned, “There is a belief that
centuries ago, Swami Narayan Ji had visited through Shankaracharya Gate for Mukti Dham”.
4. He highlighted about the G20 presidency accepted by India since December, 2022 which also has the theme
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means “One Earth, One Family and One Future”. He also informed the participants
about SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) summit which will be hosted by India on July 04, 2023 and informed about
its theme i.e. SECURE: Security, Economy, Connectivity, Unity, Respect and Environment. Further, he deliberated about the
International Year of Millets 2023 which was proposed by Government of India under the Presidency of Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi to the UN General Assembly and its approval. He reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to
make IYM 2023 a “People’s Movement” alongside positioning India as the Global Hubs for Millets.
5. Ms. Neetu Chopra-Free flying Eagle, India’s first woman to ride solo scooter from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, a
distance of 4600 Kms in 18 days was felicitated during the occasion and deliberated that “Girls do not need to be
empowered, they already are. They just need it to be realized.” She is currently on a mission of travelling 5 countries
without spending any money of her own including no penny for the petrol.
6. The entire session was broadcasted live on the official Youtube Channel of Consulate i.e. @CGI Birgunj Some
Photographs of the event are enclosed for appropriate use.
