The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO is pleased to announce the commencement of Yoga classes at UNESCO which will be offered on a gratis basis to all at UNESCO: Ambassadors, Delegations and Secretariat alike. This is a first of its kind at UNESCO, and the Mission of India is delighted to bring this intangible culture heritage of India to the multi-cultural setting of UNESCO.

For those who may have escaped the phenomenon that is Yoga and its 250 million ardent followers worldwide, including the 3 million in France, Yoga aims at using the breath and body to foster an awareness of ourselves and create a union between body, mind and spirit. It is about creating balance and equanimity so as to live in peace, good health and harmony with the greater whole. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago and the foundations of yoga philosophy were written down in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, approximately 200 A.D.

Yoga has now become a part of the urban fabric in cities all over the world, and Paris is no exception. For Indians, Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfillment, harmony between man and nature, a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition - a truly rewarding and energetic practice for both experienced yogis and elite athletes, but also for beginners of all ages. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.

At the request of the Permanent Delegation of India, the renowned Yoga Master Sricharan Faeq Biria Director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Paris has agreed to give the classes. These classes will be conducted at the Circle of Delegates at UNESCO, 1 rue Miollis 75015 Paris, every Monday from March 23, between 13h30 to 14h30 hours.

Sricharan Faeq Biria has practiced yoga for more than 60 years and Iyengar Yoga for 37 years. He has lived and studied for a long time with Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar and has been often considered as his closest disciple. He has been sent by Guruji Iyengar to many countries, such as Russia, Poland, Brazil, Argentina and China, to start the Iyengar system of Teacher Training and Assessment in these countries. He is known for his clear, dynamic and very faithful transmission of the teachings of Guruji Iyengar.

Please contact the Delegation of India to UNESCO for more information.