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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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10th International Day of Yoga Celebrations

Consul-General of India in Queensland, Ms Neetu Bhagotia, and Consul, Mr Sushil Goel; Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Cricket, Mr Terry Svenson; Yoga practitioners; Ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this morning.

I am happy to be joining you all to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga, and I sincerely thank Ms Bhagotia for the invitation.

During her recent visit to Government House, she and I discussed the topic of yoga, as I was about to host the very first ‘Yoga on the Lawn’ event there — in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

Since my swearing-in as Governor of Queensland, I have sought to promote a healthy and active state.

Yoga on the Lawn was aimed at making yoga’s benefits – physical, mental, and social – more accessible to more people, and it was well attended by some very enthusiastic — and flexible — members of the public, so I hope it will become a regular event.

Of course, yoga has long been popular in Queensland and around the world, and International Yoga Day is proof, if any were needed, of its universal appeal.

When the United Nations in 2014 named June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, 175 member states gave their endorsement, underscoring the importance of yoga in fostering a culture of well-being for all.

The resolution echoes the concerns of the World Health Organization, highlighting the detrimental effects of physical inactivity on health.

Of course it was India that proposed the draft UN resolution, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address extolling the virtues of yoga as “a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being”.

Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement and breath work, offers a potent solution to many everyday stresses and strains. And it empowers individuals to cultivate healthier choices and lifestyles.

Ms Bhagotia, your efforts in organising this event are very much appreciated, and I will try my best to remember what I learned at Yoga on the Lawn to ensure my Chakras remain activated and in balance!

Thank you.