SA youth urged to embrace ancient India's 'mind and body' art ahead of International Day of Yoga

South Africa’s newly-appointed High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, has called on all local young people and students of all racial backgrounds to embrace the art of yoga and consider studying in India.

The former deputy director-general at the Department of International Relations and Cooperations and SA’s BRICS Sherpa, was speaking as the chief guest of honour at the United Nations-declared International Day of Yoga's precursor event in Inanda, Durban, on Sunday, 1 June. He called on young people to begin practising yoga and knock on the doors of education institutions across India.

Returning to his hometown from the Indian capital of New Delhi last week, Sooklal was honoured as the chief guest at the yoga celebration in the Durban township.

The event was hosted by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in anticipation of the 11th annual International Day of Yoga on 21 June.

In recognition of his long-standing diplomatic service and his contribution to South Africa’s democratic international relations, Sooklal was presented with the prestigious Sivananda Peace Award by the foundation’s president, Ishwar Ramlutchman — also known as Prince Mabheka Zulu, the adopted son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu of the AmaZulu Royal Household.

Addressing a diverse audience of elders and youth, Sooklal encouraged black youth and students and others from all communities across South Africa to embrace yoga and take advantage of higher education study opportunities in India.

“India is a world-class country with so much to offer, especially in education,” said Sooklal. “I am encouraged to see students practising yoga in schools — it not only promotes serenity in the school environment but also sharpens the mind and improves concentration. Yoga is a valuable tool that can enhance students’ academic performance and overall wellbeing.”

He added that the Indian High Commissions and Consulates in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town offered numerous bursaries and scholarships to South African students to study various disciplines, including arts, culture, and other academic fields, at institutions across India.

Ahead of the official international Yoga Day celebrations, Sooklal called on the communities of South Africans to embrace yoga as a unifying and healing practice.

Rooted in over 5,000 years of Indian spiritual tradition, the “mind and body” holistic health and exercise art is now globally recognised as a powerful lifestyle practice for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

“I am delighted that yoga is being shared on such a large scale with our communities,” Sooklal said. “Yoga is a source of inspiration that teaches us to remain calm during turbulent times. It promotes peace and social cohesion, echoing the theme of this year’s celebrations: Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

Sooklal also participated in handing out food hampers to community members at the Inanda event, reinforcing the event’s message of compassion and wellness.

Ramlutchman paid tribute to Sooklal’s decades of dedication to diplomacy and development. He said: “Professor Sooklal has played a key role in representing the new South Africa globally. His service in India is a reflection of his deep commitment to international cooperation and the betterment of our society.”

He emphasised the foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote yoga in South Africa, especially in schools and rural communities.

“For over three years, we’ve introduced yoga programmes in schools and religious institutions across the province (of KwaZulu-Natal),” he said. “Yoga helps students deal with modern challenges and social ills, improving their focus and academic performance. It’s a discipline that promotes harmony, prevents disease, and supports healthy living.”