Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts in China participated in the third international yoga conference held here on Saturday, prompting India’s envoy to the Communist country, Ashok K. Kantha, to call the nation a second home for the ancient physical and spiritual discipline.
“Large number of yoga lovers took part in 2015 China International Yoga and Naturopathy Conference, which is an invaluable gift from the ancient Indian tradition,” Mr. Kantha said. He said Yoga had found a second home in China, recalling the celebrations across the country to mark the first International Day of Yoga on June 21 in which several thousand enthusiasts participated.
Common cultural space
Both Indian and Chinese dreams ought to be aligned and pursued in a mutually supportive manner. It is important to celebrate the common cultural space between India and China, the two ancient civilisations that have interacted for over 2000 years, Kantha added.
While yoga was popular for a several years in China, it gained government recognition when Chinese Premier Li Kiqiang took part in Yoga-Taichi meet in Beijing along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Mr. Modi’s visit in May.
Taichi is an internal Chinese martial art practised for both its defence training and its health benefits. Some training forms are especially known for being practised with relatively slow movement.
National rejuvenation
“India and China are in the process of seeking national rejuvenation and prosperity for their people and that expanding cultural exchanges is an important element of cooperation between us,” said Lin Yi, vice-president of China-India Friendship Association, who attended the conference.
The event was co-hosted by the China International Yoga Organising Committee and the China India Friendship Association.
