Fiji is suffering from a scourge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
He said considering this, government was giving a lot of push for public health.
“Partly it’s to do with people’s lifestyles — what they eat, how they exercise, and what they do in their daily lives,” Prof Prasad said.
Speaking during the 11th International Day of Yoga celebration in Suva yesterday, he said from a national perspective, yoga fits well within the Government’s vision for public health and wellness.
“We are working to encourage healthier lifestyles through preventive care, and yoga supports this mission.
“Whether introduced in schools, community centres, or workplaces, it has the potential to build mental resilience, especially among our youth, frontline workers, and vulnerable communities.”
He said yoga was ideal for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and fitness levels.
“Yoga is more than just a traditional or religious experience. It’s to do with health, it’s to do with mind, body, and I think the wellness and the education about public health, about people keeping themselves well through regular exercises.
“It provides a much bigger, better opening for many young people to practice and keep yourselves well.”
He said in a world that was becoming increasingly fast-paced and stressful, yoga offered a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves and with the world around us.
“As sedentary lifestyles, anxiety, and mental health challenges rise globally, the value of yoga has never been clearer or more necessary.”
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta said yoga empowered individuals to lead balanced, conscious, and purposeful lives.
“It is inclusive, transcending religions, nationalities, and cultures,” Mr Mehta said.
“Here in Fiji, we are heartened to see yoga being embraced in schools, communities, and wellness centres.
“Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre under High Commission of India already conducts regular yoga classes in Suva and operates a dedicated Yoga Centre in Labasa.
“Taking our commitment to preventive healthcare a step further, the Honourable Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita Ji, who visited Fiji last month on the occasion of Girmit Day, virtually inaugurated a new Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa.
Mr Mehta thanked the Fijian Government for its support in promoting yoga and wellness.
