SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
UN Int’l Day of Yoga Celebrated at the Houses of Parliament
London — 22 June 2026
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences hosted a landmark celebration of the 12th United Nations International Day of Yoga at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster. The event was hosted by Jas Atwal MP, Member of the APPG on Indian Traditional Sciences, with the programme expertly compèred by Amarjeet S. Bhamra, Secretariat of the APPG.
This year’s programme addressed the UN International Day of Yoga theme of holistic well-being, longevity, mobility, and the vital role of preventive healthcare across all stages of life. The annual parliamentary gathering brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, community leaders, organisations, and stakeholders to celebrate the science and philosophy of Vedic enlightenment.
Distinguished Parliamentarians and High Commissioners
The event was graced by a distinguished gathering of parliamentarians and diplomatic representatives.
Jas Atwal MP, Host APPG on Indian Traditional Sciences
Baron Ranger of Northwood
Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi MP
Bob Blackman MP CBE
H.E. Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom
H.E. Nimal Senadheera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom
H.E. Dr. Rajeshwar Jeetah, High Commissioner of Mauritius to the United Kingdom
H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the United Kingdom
Speakers addressed the importance of Yoga and Ayurveda as a meaningful means of delivering integrated care within the NHS.
Guest Speakers
The programme featured an outstanding roster of international speakers:
H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar · Prof. Tanuja Nesari · Alex Yates · Chin Yao · Prof. Murlimanohar Pathak · Simon Arnell · Hon. Pramit Maakoday · Dr. Sunil Kumar · Nic Careem · Sukadev · Rohini Emanuelsson · Renu Singh · Helen Keates · Dr. Shantha Godagama
2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards
The APPG presented its prestigious 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising exceptional contributions to Yoga, traditional sciences, and integrative healthcare globally:
Yoga Ratna — Swami Suryananda Saraswati (Amadio Bianchi), Italy
Jyotish Ratna — Hon. Bishwanath Prasad, India
Homeopath Ratna — Dr. Karin Lenger, Germany
Integrative Healthcare Global Ambassador — Hon. Pramit Maakoday, United States of America
Integrative Healthcare Global Ambassador — Hon. Tom Mullins, Ireland
Integrative Healthcare Global Ambassador — Counsellor Darshan S. Nagi, United Kingdom
Acknowledgements
Heartfelt gratitude was extended to over one hundred guests who joined the celebration, with special thanks to Adarsh Upadhyay (Advocate, Supreme Court of India), Akhilesh Pandey (Indian Forest Services), Santosh Panday, and Gill Foods Langley, Dr Suky Bhamra for their generous contributions in making this remarkable gathering possible.
