Sydney, June 16 (Australia India News Newsdesk): The Consulate General of India in Sydney, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Sydney, with the support of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), in collaboration with Heartfulness Australia, inaugurated the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations at Northmead, New South Wales, on June 13.
The inaugural programme was attended by Nirav Sutariya, Consul and Acting Director of SVCC Sydney, Councillor Sameer Pandey of the City of Parramatta Council, and Dr Naveen Shukla, who joined the event as guests of honour.
More than 50 community members participated in the morning session, which featured guided meditation and yoga postures based on the Common Yoga Protocol recommended by the Ministry of AYUSH. The programme encouraged participants to embrace yoga as a means of promoting physical wellbeing, mental clarity and inner harmony.
Organisers said the gathering reflected the shared commitment of Indian institutions and community organisations to promoting wellness, harmony and the universal values of yoga. The event marked the beginning of a series of International Day of Yoga celebrations planned across Australia, offering participants an energising and meaningful start to the 2026 observances.