For the first time in the history of India-Brazil bilateral relations, yoga is being included in the curriculum of public schools in Mato Grosso do Sul. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the use of soft diplomacy to strengthen ties between the two nations. The mayor of Mato Grosso do Sul is committed to promoting good health and emotional well-being among students, and India is proud to partner with him in this endeavour.
Soft Diplomacy at Play
Ambassador Suresh Reddy, speaking to FinancialExpress.com from Brasilia, emphasized the embassy’s active engagement with local authorities in promoting yoga. “We in the embassy have been actively engaging with the local authorities on promoting yoga and of course we have been connecting the yoga classes in Brasilia in the embassy and in the consulate,” he said.
This year, the International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated across more than 10 locations in Brazil, setting a new record. Ambassador Reddy explained, “In this process we have also been encouraging the local governments to look at having yoga as part of the curriculum.”
A key partnership was established with Senator Nelson Otrard, president of the Brazil-India Friendship Association. “With his support, we are able to convince the government of Mato Grosso do Sul to include yoga in the curriculum, and now they have already started the recruitment of teachers,” said Ambassador Reddy.
Expanding Yoga in Brazilian Schools
The success in Mato Grosso do Sul follows a similar initiative in Foz do Iguaçu, where yoga was formally included in the school curriculum last year. The announcement was made during a grand celebration witnessed by Secretary East Saurabh Kumar, who was present for the signing of the decree by the mayor of Foz do Iguaçu.
Ambassador Reddy expressed hope that this trend would continue across other states in Brazil. “We hope to continue this exercise of engaging with all the other states and getting them to include yoga in the school curriculum because fundamentally it helps the students by helping to reduce their anxiety, their tensions, and most importantly their emotional well-being in addition to their physical well-being of course so that’s what our focus is on.”
The Impact of Yoga
The inclusion of yoga in school curriculums is not just a diplomatic success but also a significant step towards improving the overall well-being of students. By reducing anxiety and tension, yoga helps enhance both the emotional and physical health of young learners. This initiative showcases how soft diplomacy, through cultural and educational exchanges, can build stronger international relationships and promote mutual well-being.