Yoga conference to be held in Melbourne

NEW DELHI: Australia today welcomed the International Yoga Day and announced its decision to host a conference on the significance of the ancient practise at Melbourne on Sunday.

The 'Yoga Australia' association with the Indian consulate there would jointly host the the 8th Annual International Yoga Conference on the theme 'Yoga for Health - Physical, Mental, Social and Spiritual'.

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling said the celebration was an affirmation of the universal acceptance of yoga as a practise for mental and physical well-being.

"The celebration is also a success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's belief in yoga," said Suckling.

"The fact that the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the commemoration of International Yoga Day was co-sponsored by 177 member nations and did not have to be voted upon, is testament to the universal recognition of the benefits of yoga in the context of the health challenges of the 21st century," the High Commissioner said.

During his visit to Australia last year, Modi had presented a book on yoga to his Australian counterpart, Tony Abbott, a statement from the High Commission said.

India's Consul General Manika Jain said the day-long conference and workshops in Melbourne would see the participation of leading speakers, doctors, scholars, psychiatrists and yoga experts.