NDB President Dilma Rousseff Joins Shanghai Yoga Event, Mourns Air India Tragedy

NDB President Dilma Rousseff Marks International Day of Yoga in Shanghai

On Friday, Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank (NDB) and former President of Brazil, participated in the curtain-raiser event for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 held in Shanghai. The gathering celebrated yoga's unifying spirit while acknowledging recent global challenges.

Heartfelt Condolences for the Air India Crash Victims

241 fatalities. Remarkably, one survivor is currently receiving medical care. Rousseff extended her sincere condolences to the families affected as well as to the Government and people of India.

Yoga as a Beacon of Peace and Resilience

Reflecting on the significance of the International Day of Yoga, Rousseff emphasized yoga’s transformative power across cultures and borders. She noted, "Yoga is one of India's greatest gifts to the world, a practice transcending geography, language, and beliefs. Rooted in ancient wisdom, yoga teaches us harmony within ourselves and with the world around us."

She also touched upon the adoption of June 21st as the official International Day of Yoga by the United Nations — a proposal originally put forth by India’s Prime Minister — underscoring how the day now symbolizes peace and resilience, qualities vital in today’s global landscape.

India's Role in NDB and Upcoming Yoga Celebrations

Rousseff praised India's essential part in establishing the New Development Bank, stating, "India is not just a founding member; without it, this bank would not exist." She highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as instrumental in launching the NDB.

The IDY 2025 festivities will culminate in Visakhapatnam, where Prime Minister Modi is set to lead a massive Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session involving over 500,000 participants. Meanwhile, synchronized 'Yoga Sangam' sessions are slated to be held at over 100,000 locations across India, poised to become one of the world’s largest collective yoga demonstrations.

Presence of Indian Officials and Event Significance

The event in Shanghai was attended by Consul General Pratik Mathur and other Indian dignitaries, marking the official start of celebrations for IDY 2025. Rousseff’s participation reinforced the global growing recognition of yoga as a tool for health, wellness, and international harmony.