In the heart of Durban’s township communities, an inspiring blend of international diplomacy, cultural pride, and ancient wellness took centre stage as the Sivananda World Peace Foundation hosted a powerful precursor event for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY). Held at the Congo Grounds in Inanda, adjacent to KwaMashu and Phoenix, the Sunday morning gathering brought together community members, youth, and elders in celebration of unity, health, and shared humanity.
Returning from New Delhi to his hometown of Durban, Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s newly-appointed High Commissioner to India, served as the event’s chief guest. Known for his decades-long contributions to international diplomacy and his roots in Durban’s Asherville community, Sooklal was warmly welcomed by attendees and honoured with the prestigious Sivananda Peace Award.
Speaking to a diverse crowd, Professor Sooklal underscored yoga’s global relevance as a tool for wellness, mental clarity, and social harmony. “Yoga is a valuable gift to humanity,” he said. “It not only helps students concentrate better but instills calmness and discipline in schools and communities. I am delighted to see this practice gaining ground in South African townships.”
He also used the platform to encourage young South Africans, particularly black youth to explore study opportunities in India, a country he described as “world-class in education and culture.” Sooklal highlighted available bursaries and scholarships through Indian High Commissions and Consulates across South Africa, urging students to consider India for studies in fields such as arts, culture, technology, and health sciences.
The celebration, themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” featured live yoga demonstrations, traditional dance, and the distribution of food hampers to families in need, amplifying the day’s message of compassion and community wellbeing.
Building Bridges Between Nations and Communities
Ishwar Ramlutchman, president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and also known as Prince Mabheka Zulu of the AmaZulu Royal Household, paid tribute to Sooklal’s diplomatic service and his enduring efforts to promote peace and development.
“Professor Sooklal is a proud son of KwaZulu-Natal and a global representative of South Africa’s values,” said Ramlutchman. “His support strengthens the link between diplomacy and community transformation. Through yoga, we are fostering a culture of wellness, discipline, and environmental stewardship in our schools and rural areas.”
The Inanda event marked the first of several lead-up programmes ahead of Durban’s flagship yoga festival on Saturday, 21 June, which will draw over 3000 participants to the Durban Amphitheater.
The International Day of Yoga celebration in Durban is now backed by strategic partners including UNESCO, Durban Tourism, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, and a host of private-sector organisations. Durban has been formally designated the permanent host city for the International Day of Yoga in South Africa, a testament to its multicultural energy and growing global stature.
This year’s festival theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health, and Oneness”, resonates beyond mats and meditation, aligning with global calls for sustainability, mental health, and cross-cultural unity. The celebration follows the successful hosting of major events like Africa’s Travel Indaba and the Nedbank Cup Final, which together generated over R230 million in economic impact and showcased Durban’s capacity for world-class events.
With support from Premier Thami Ntuli, Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba, and departments including Health and Tourism, the Sivananda Foundation continues to expand yoga programmes across schools and communities in KwaZulu-Natal.
Upcoming events include a Yoga Mahotsav at Giant’s Castle Game Reserve on Thursday, 5 June, set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the main International Day of Yoga celebration at the Durban beachfront on Saturday, 21 June.
As the sun rose over Inanda this past Sunday, it was clear: yoga is no longer just an ancient Eastern practice. In the streets of KwaMashu, it’s becoming a way to restore hope, breathe unity into divided spaces, and build bridges between nations,one pose at a time.
