The Consulate General of India in Shanghai hosted the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at the Bund Finance Centre (BFC) on Sunday, June 21. The event, themed "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," drew 400 participants, including diplomats, academics, yoga practitioners, members of the Indian diaspora, and friends of India in China.
Consul General Highlights Historic Venue
Consul General Pratik Mathur expressed delight at hosting the ceremony at the Bund, a historic waterfront area along the Huangpu River with a view of the Pearl TV Tower. He noted that the location symbolizes the longstanding historical ties between India and China. The Bund Finance Centre is situated in the Yangtze River delta region, a major economic growth hub, providing a fitting backdrop for the culmination of 90 days of IDY 2026 activities.
90-Day Campaign Culminates
The 90-day burst of events began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call in his Mann ki Baat radio address. The Consulate General organized IDY events across several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Kunshan, Wuxi, Ningbo, Keqiao, and Nantong over the preceding weeks.
Special Guests and Acknowledgments
In his welcome remarks, Mathur thanked the Indian community and companies in the region for their contributions to the IDY 2026 events. He specially acknowledged Sister Sapna, China in-charge of Brahma Kumaris, and Siddharth Chatterjee, former UN Chief for China and President of the think tank Global Neighbours, for their honored participation.
Brahma Kumaris Express Gratitude
In a post on X, Brahma Kumaris stated: "Honoured to be part of the grand celebrations of the 12th IDY 2026 at the iconic Bund in Shanghai. Our heartfelt gratitude to Consul General Shri Pratik Mathur and Consulate General of India in Shanghai for bringing together communities to celebrate this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing.' We are delighted that BK Sister Sapna, China In-charge of Brahma Kumaris, joined this inspiring initiative, reaffirming the transformative role of Rajyoga Meditation in fostering holistic well-being and inner harmony."
Yoga for Healthy Ageing Theme
The program centered on the IDY 2026 theme of "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," emphasizing the benefits of yoga for older adults. The Consulate General noted that the event at the Bund, a major landmark, underscored the old historic links between India and China.
