“Quang Ninh has many advantages and potential to develop medical tourism”

The 10th International Yoga Day 2024 recently took place in Phuong Dong Urban Area (Van Don) with the participation of nearly 1,000 yoga instructors, athletes from yoga clubs, and yoga enthusiasts and practitioners from within and outside the province. Participating for the second time in the event held in Quang Ninh , His Excellency Sandeep Arya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Vietnam , gave an interview to reporters from the Quang Ninh Provincial Media Center.

Mr. Sandeep Arya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Vietnam.

Ambassador Sandeep Arya, what is your assessment of the 10th International Yoga Day event held in Quang Ninh this time?

This year marks the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, a decade since the United Nations declared June 21st as Yoga Day based on consensus, and Vietnam has also supported that initiative as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of India. I would like to express my special thanks to the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province, the Vietnam Yoga Federation, and the numerous people and yoga enthusiasts who helped make the event vibrant and created a strong impact in promoting the value of this special sport . This year's International Yoga Day event was held in nearly 40 provinces and cities across Vietnam with the participation of tens of thousands of people. And over the years, Quang Ninh has become a familiar destination for yoga events, with its advantages in infrastructure, natural landscapes, and culture. As in previous years, at this year's International Yoga Day, I could see the strong commitment of Quang Ninh province to spreading the values ​​of Yoga, considering Yoga as one of the ways to improve the quality of life for its people. In 2023, attending International Yoga Day for the first time at Quynh Lam Pagoda (Dong Trieu Town), I was extremely impressed by the unique spirit of Buddhist culture. This time, coming to Van Don, the beautiful natural scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay perfectly complemented the spirit of connection and harmony with nature that Yoga embodies. I was also particularly impressed by the warm welcome and meticulous preparation for this event by Quang Ninh province in general and Van Don district in particular.

- How do you assess the development of the Yoga movement in Quang Ninh? + Through the events held in Quang Ninh over the years, I have observed that the Yoga practice movement has truly developed deeply and strongly; showing that people's lives are gradually improving, and the need to care for and maintain health and improve the quality of life is increasingly valued. Especially at this year's event in Quang Ninh, I also want to introduce to you the undergraduate and master's degree courses in Yoga. The Indian government also sponsors scholarships so that those who wish to study Yoga as a professional can participate. I am very impressed to see so many people in Quang Ninh practicing Yoga, as well as the level of popularity of Yoga in your province. With the strong development of the Yoga movement in Quang Ninh, where Yogis practice in beautiful and magnificent natural settings, connecting body, mind, and spirit with the unique and diverse culture of Quang Ninh, it will be an opportunity to promote the culture and socio-economic development potential more widely. With its existing potential and advantages, Quang Ninh can orient itself towards developing health and wellness tourism associated with the activities of Yogis throughout the province.

Ambassador Sandeep Arya participated in practicing Yoga at the 10th International Yoga Day event in 2024 held in Quang Ninh.

- International Yoga Day has become an annual event held in Vietnam and Quang Ninh. How do you assess the significance of this event in connecting Vietnamese and Indian cultures? + I have had the opportunity to visit many places in Vietnam and meet many people, and I have noticed the warm feelings and deep understanding that Vietnamese people have for India. I think that the bond between the two countries stems from shared historical connections such as Buddhism or cultural heritage. In that context, Yoga is seen as a new bridge in the modern era to connect the friendship between the two countries. One aspect of Yoga is the philosophy of life, way of living, and culture of a country. Therefore, when someone practices Yoga, they can understand the way of life, way of thinking, and philosophy of life of India. So, I think this is one of the ways Yoga strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two countries. In Quang Ninh province, for many years now, the province has organized International Yoga Day, which can be considered a unique cultural milestone between Vietnam and India, a symbol of Indian culture in Quang Ninh. Furthermore, many Indian people have chosen Quang Ninh as a tourist destination and a place to experience its culture. Personally, I believe that people-to-people cultural exchange plays a crucial role in any bilateral relationship. And culture and sports are areas where we need to promote more exchange.

Yogis formed the shape of the Vietnamese flag at the 10th International Yoga Day.

- How do you assess the theme "Yoga for Self and Society" in promoting cultural connections? + This year's 10th International Yoga Day chose the theme "Yoga for Self and Society," meaning that if each individual can improve themselves and become better citizens, then society will progress, interact, and be harmonious. This is a message aimed at a healthy planet, deepening the connection between humanity, and honoring the harmonious beauty between mind and body, between the individual and society. I believe that Yoga is connecting the cultures and peoples of India and Vietnam in the modern era, just as Buddhism did 2,000 years ago. This connection between ancient civilizations has brought the practice of Yoga to Vietnam and influenced the lives of its people. With the spread and popularity of Yoga in Vietnam and Quang Ninh today, we are confident that Yoga will continue to help strengthen cultural connections between the two cultures, similar to how Buddhism has done. - Thank you very much, Mr. Ambassador!