H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, the new Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, during his first speech in The Hague.
Largest ever Yoga event in the Netherlands organised in The Hague to mark Third International Day of Yoga
The largest ever International Day of Yoga event in the Netherlands was organised in The Hague on Sunday June 18, 2017, with participation of nearly 1000 people.
The event was organised by the Embassy of India with the support of The Hague City Council in the Atrium of the City Hall, an iconic building, often referred to as the ‘Ice Palace’. HE Mr. Venu Rajamony, the new Ambassador of India to the Netherlands welcomed the gathering and described Yoga as the ” India’s gift to mankind.”
He announced that Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, the man behind the initiative to celebrate the International Day of Yoga three years back, would be visiting the Netherlands in few days. He send a special message to the audience ‘ in the present century we are observing that yoga has connected the entire world. Yoga is a medium to experience and realise how holistic life can be lived in a balance way’ Prime Minister said.
Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
The guest of honour at the event, Mr Rabin Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor of The Hague spoke of the vibrant connection between India and the Netherlands and promised the gathering and the Indian community of the continued support of the City Council in their activities. Participants in the group yoga session included Indian cricketer Mr Suresh Raina, Mr Joris Geeven from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Preety Dhillon, Miss India Holland 2017, Dutch nationals and members of the Suriname-Hindustani as well as the Indian communities.
The event was organised in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, India Tourism Amsterdam, Art of Living Foundation, ISHA Foundation, and Jet Airways.Dr Amit Khanna,Yoga expert at The Gandhi Centre in The Hague and Ms Madeleine Gaastra from the Art of Living.
The yoga event was led by Dr Amit Khanna, Yoga expert at The Gandhi Centre in The Hague, which is the cultural wing of the Indian Embassy, Ms Shikha Khanna, a yoga expert from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, Ms Madeleine Gaastra from the Art of Living, and Mr Farooq Abdul Khader, a local yoga teacher.
Volunteering during the third International Yoga Day in The Hague.
By Dr. Eugenio Matos G.
As founder of Diplomat Magazine, together with other four ambassadors that were accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, allow me to congratulate its team of outstanding writers and incredible photographers. They are the heart of this unique project. This is absolutely the very first diplomatic magazine in the Netherlands ‘history, founded by and for diplomats.
Diplomat Magazine was officially launched during a diplomatic reception held at Carlton Ambassador Hotel back in 19 of June 2015, in the presence of more than 60 Heads of Diplomatic Missions, the Major of The Hague, representatives from the media, and special guests.
We are celebrating our five-year anniversary. Diplomats accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and contributors from all over the world are the ones who made this endeavor possible. One can mention many other volunteers, such as academics, students (mainly from the University of Leiden, the University of Ottawa in Canada, University of Vienna, Asser Institute, Clingendael) and so forth. They are the people working behind the scenes to make Diplomat Magazine a truly international publication. The team is composed of ten reporters and six photographers, most of them are based in The Hague.
Diplomat Magazine is the fastest growing diplomatic magazine worldwide, in content and readership, thanks to our partnership with Down Jones and universities. Since 2015, we have printed six special editions for foreign governments, following the exact specifications of quality and design of Diplomat Magazine´s printed edition. Diplomat Magazine holds a record of diplomatic events in the European Union and probably around the globe, with sixty-six (66) major activities since 2015.
We have started the 1st Diplomatic Food Festival, the 1st Diplomatic Automobile Show, special farewells, welcome events to new arriving diplomats, the 1st Annual Diplomats Fun Run & Walk, 1st Diplomats Meet & Greet, special classical concerts, 1st Diplomatic Biking Tour, 1st Diplomatic Excursion, Diplomatic Soccer World Cup screening, and the like. We make the difference by giving opportunities not only to diplomats, heads of states and ministers to write for us, but also to local individuals willing to be introduced to the diplomatic corps. The people behind Diplomat Magazine have many different nationalities and all kinds of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds.
About the author:
Dr. Eugenio Matos G. is Associate Publisher, founder of Diplomat Magazine
Former Minister-Counselor (2009-2014) for the Dominican Republic Embassy in The Hague.The author is a career Dominican diplomat, a specialist in international Public Diplomacy.
On the picture H.E. Mrs. Rosa Batoréu, Ambassador of Portugal, Mr Domingos Melo e Alvim, Counsellor and Mr. Miguel F. Porfirio, Commercial Attaché. By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Portugal National Day, Dia de Portugal or de Camões. This day was chosen to honor Luís de Camões, one of the country’s celebrated historic figures. Portuguese communities across the world take this day to remember their history and celebrate their culture.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157685157687295The Ambassador of Kosovo, H.E Vjosa Dobruna, the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Per Holmström and the Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Adia Sakiqi.
It has become a tradition for the Portuguese president to choose cities across the world to hold official national day celebrations. This year’s festivities took place in the Portuguese city of Porto, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil.
The Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Petar Vico and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E Bruce Koloane.
Here in The Hague, the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mrs. Rosa Batoréu, celebrate Portugal’s National Day with a reception at her residence.
Hundreds of invitees turn out to congratulate Ambassador Batoréu. Everybody was in a good mood and enjoyed the Portuguese wines and snacks, including the excellent bolinhos de bacalhau.
Group picture at the Portuguese residence.Guests celebrating Portugal National Day.
On the picture, H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In celebration of La Festa della Repubblica, The Italian Republic Day, the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Andrea Perugini and spouse, Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Visser, organised a memorable reception at the distinctive Nieuwe Kerk, in The Hague, on Wednesday, 31 May. La Festa della Repubblica, commemorates the historic June 2, 1946 date, when Italians voted to abolish the Monarchy and a Republic was born.
Ambassador Perugini and Mariska Perugini-Visser, together with Italian diplomats from their Embassy, formed a reception line to welcome over two hundred and fifty special guests. The Ambassador’s invitees included representatives from the Dutch government, the private sector, heads of mission and many other members of the diplomatic corps who are serving with numerous embassies in the city.
Distinguished guests from the International Organisations, as well as guests from the economic, cultural and academic communities, judges, business people, politicians, a representative of the Roman Catholic Church and other friends of Italy were also invited to celebrate Festa della Repubblica with the Ambassador and his staff.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684983312996On the picture H.E. Andrea Perugini and spouse, Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Visser, Counsellor Tarek Chazli and his wife, Mrs Gülşah Chazli-Gökdemir, Mr Brigadier Danilo Morando, Defence Attaché, Naval and Air Force Attaché and his wife, Mrs Alessandra Morando and Ms Carmela Natalina Callea, Attaché, Cultural Affairs.
Guests were warmly welcomed with traditional Italian hospitality. Accompanying fare was offered at once, making the evening event an immediate success. Upon entry, guests were invited to sample an array of Italian dishes in the reception area of the historic venue. The wide selection featured many Italian dishes that are known and enjoyed by connaisseurs the world over.
Familiar preparations such as Italian risotto and frittata were featured, together with Italian wines and liqueurs. Both food and beverage selections were enjoyed by all who were present. At once, guests began mingling with one another and light conversations ensued.
More than two hundred attended the concert; in the picture among the public, Venezuela Alternate Ambassador to the OPCW – ICC, Mr. Jose Angel Bucarello, the Ambassador of Spain H.E. Fernando Arias and spouse Patricia van Oordt de Arias.
Following the reception, guests were invited into the central hall of the magnificent Nieuwe Kerk , which now serves as venue for concerts and other cultural events throughout the year. The Nieuwe Kerk, located just across from the modern City Hall of the Hague, was constructed in 1649 and is one of the oldest landmark buildings in the city’s historic Haagse Binnenstad (city center).
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy, acknowledged, with pleasure, the historic and recent rapid developments of Italian-Dutch relations; emphasizing his dedication to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Italian Pianist Daklen Difato.
He said, “This year, in addition to celebrating the excellent bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Italy and the fruitful contribution that Italy brings to the Courts, Tribunals and Organizations in the City of Peace and Justice, the Italian National Day in The Netherlands is especially dedicated to the upcoming State visit to Italy by their Majesties the King and Queen of The Netherlands from June 20 to June 23.An extensive visit, with a rich schedule of events which includes in addition to Rome, visits to Palermo and Milano. In Milano, together with over 100 Dutch business representatives in 4 key sectors ( water management, Agrofood, preservation of Cultural Heritage and fashion and design). ”Mr. Difato, Mrs. Mariska Perugini-Visser, H.E. Andrea Perugini and Italian pianist virtuoso Daklen Difato.
Ambassador Perugini thanked the sponsors: Bellavista Franciacorta and Leone de Castris for the excellent wines they provided and Ferrero for the refined chocolates.
Following his speech, he introduced Daklen Difato, a 17 year old musical prodigy, who had travelled from Italy to The Hague, with his father, for the special occasion. Upon taking the stage, the talented young man surprised everyone with his “rock star look.” Upon commencing to play a complete classical piano recital from memory, the room fell silent. Difato, demonstrated his complete mastery of the instrument to all who were present and he played with a suppleness and interpretive force that few professional pianists are ever able to attain. For his performance, the gifted Italian pianist, played Chopin and others masters, in an extraordinary concert that the Ambassador’s guests will always favorably remember.
Congratulations to the Italian embassy team for one of the best ever Festa della Repubblica in the Netherlands.
On the picture Ambassador Elena Basile and EP Parliament Antonio Tajani.
Wednesday, 31 May 2017, Residence of the Italian Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium: HE Ambassador Elena Basile hosted a very well-attended reception to celebrate Italy’s Republic Day, which commemorates the institutional referendum held on 2 June 1946 which resulted in the establishment of today’s Italian Republic.
Ambassador Basile, who presented her credentials to the VII King of the Belgians on 16 May 2017, is the first woman Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. Italy and Belgium hold excellent bilateral relations, also due to the common historical ties between the Belgian Royal House and the House of Savoy (Savoia). King Philippus’ mother is the Italian-born mother, Queen Paola (née Princess Ruffo di Calabria). Italy’s last Queen, Marie José, was a sister of then King Leopold III of the Belgians.
Swedish Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund.
Many representatives of the political, diplomatic and entrepreneurial world attended the Festa della Reppublica in Brussels, among which the President of the Belgian Constitutional Court, Étienne De Groot as well as the Secretary General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dirk Achten. Guest of honour was President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, who addressed the audience. During her opening remarks Ambassador Basile also highlighted the merits of Milan to become the next seat for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) after it leaves London, and thanked the various Italian enterprises working in Belgium who sponsored the reception.
To conclude the most formal part of the National Day, the Italian anthem was sung by lyrical singer Chiara Giamboi.
H.E. Gladys Marithza Ruíz de Vielman is a Guatemalan lawyer, politician and career diplomat. After spending most of her life working for a contentious case between Guatemala and Belize, first as a Member of the Belize Council and Belize Commission and then as Coordinator of the National Litigation, H.E. Ruiz de Vielman currently serves as Co-agent representing the State of Guatemala before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
H.E Ruiz de Vielman was born and raised in Guatemala, afterwards she moved several times to study abroad; first to The United States of America and subsequently to Brazil and France, developing a good command of the English, French and Portuguese language, in addition to her Spanish mother tongue.
After completed her university studies in Law, she built her own law firm to provide legal services to the Guatemalan government and the private sector and, some years later, she decided to come back to her Alma mater as a law lecturer. During this time, she also imparted various seminars in Guatemala and abroad. Furthermore, H.E. Ruiz de Vielman also carried out several socio-economic development projects in Guatemala in cooperation with distinguished organizations such as the World Bank among others.
Her diplomatic career started in 1986 with ministerial and presidential level meetings. Later on, she was designated as the Guatemala Permanent Representative to the International Coffee Organization, International Sugar Organization and International Maritime Organization. In addition, she negotiated a number of trade disputes before the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GAAT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), mainly focused on Guatemalan bananas’ access to the European Union market. Her Excellency Ambassador Ruiz de Vieltman, also represented Guatemala in several regional and multilateral organizations, including well known Organizations based in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other related to the United Nations.
Ambassador Ruíz de Vielman has held various relevant positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. Among others, she served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1994-1995. She was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (2000-2003), to the United States of America (2016-2017) and finally was deployed to serve as Ambassador of Guatemala to the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
Developing Guatemala with Passion and Determination
A career diplomat, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and experienced lawyer who has acted as legal advisor of her country and other Latin American countries in a number of trade disputes before the World Trade Organization is now the Ambassador of Guatemala to the Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman.
“The Netherlands is the gateway to Europe. Our products are shipped to the Netherlands to be distributed in this country and throughout Europe. Guatemala produces high quality fresh fruits and vegetables, and we would like to take advantage of new technologies that are available in the Netherlands to expand commercial relations with Dutch companies in other areas.”
Ambassador Ruiz de Vielman feels the decision taken some time ago by the Dutch government to close down their Embassy in her country “fails to promote the conditions required to meet the challenges that Guatemala faces after signing the peace accords in December of 1996 to put an end to an internal armed conflict that lasted over 36 years. Re-opening the embassy in Guatemala would send a positive message, and show that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is willing to walk with us the road to development and prosperity.”
H.E. Ms. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassador of Guatemala
Guatemala is a multiethnic, multicultural, multilingual society “whose people take great pride in their Maya heritage, acknowledged as great mathematicians and astrologers, who built important urban centers in northern Guatemala.” said Ambassador Ruiz de Vielman.
The ambassador of Guatemala to the Netherlands is also accredited before the International Court of Justice, and as she declared during this interview, “the case that Guatemala may bring against Belize before the ICJ regarding her country’s territorial, insular and maritime rights is a professional challenge and a personal privilege for someone who like herself has been working on the issue for most of her professional life. Because efforts to find an amicable solution to the dispute failed, Belize and Guatemala signed a special agreement to submit Guatemala’s claims to the ICJ. They further agreed that separate referenda, i.e. consultation or popular vote, must be convened in both countries prior to submitting the case to the ICJ. Guatemala held a referendum on April 15th, and 96% of the votes cast approved the decision to submit the case to the ICJ. For its part, Belize announced that its own referendum will be held on the 10th of April 2019.”
Ambassador Ruiz de Vielman added a final thought on the Belize issue saying she would like to be remembered in her country for her commitment and dedication to the case during more than two decades, particularly during her tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala
In closing, she explained the broad and complex agenda she is pursuing to strengthen the ties between Guatemala and the Netherlands, such as water management projects, protection of the environment, gender rights, the rights of women and children, promoting non-violence, and most of all, ensuring market access and investment opportunities for Dutch and Guatemalan entities
To have H.E. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman posted here just confirms the famous phrase: “We send our best to The Hague.”
———————
Hotel Des Indes.
The interview with H.E. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, has been held at Hotel del Indes an emblematic historic hotel in The Hague, symbol of Dutch beauty, tradition and class, charm and character, elegance and grandeur with more than 132 years of credentials: www.hoteldesindes.nl
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The second biking spree for diplomats in the Netherlands was held on Saturday, 10 June 2017.
The group of participants in the 10 Km route was made up of cyclists of all ages, first-time riders as well as veteran riders. Participating Ambassadors and diplomats were from: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Ecuador, Estonia, ICC, OPCW, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Poland, South-African and the USA.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the link below:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157682994523200The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov with two sons, Fatima Yerman and her son Ansgar also from Kazakhstan.
The objectives of the ride were to promote inclusion and to provide an opportunity for networking, all while having fun and exploring The Hague’s historical and to touristic environment.
Mr Sherman R. McGrew, guided the group all around The Hague.
The tour departed from Carlton Ambassador Hotel, traveled in the direction of the International Zone, and returned via Haagse Bos to end in the city center. Along the way, stops were made at interesting sights.
Following the bike ride, all participants were invited for lunch at a renowned cafe in the center of The Hague.
Group picture with H.E. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador.
Diplomat magazine appreciates the participation of all those who have contributed to yet another successful cycling event.
Ms Thibule Muzenda, 3rd Secretary and Mr Nzaliseko Sifuba from South African Embassy, Mr. Raphael Mutinda, Counsellor in charge of Consular & Immigration at the Embassy of Kenya, Ms Kim Reid, Program Office at the Embassy of Canada and Ms Gcobisa Makapela also from South African Embassy.
On the picture H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and spouse Natalia Shulgina.
On Friday, June 9, Russia celebrated the country’s National Day on the premises of the Russian Embassy with her many friends in the community. Diplomats, Dutch politicians, academics, artists, business people, Russians expatriates living in the Netherlands and many other distinguished guests from former Soviet Union countries were in attendance.
Guests formed a long line from the street corner to the embassy’s entrance. Every salon, the embassy’s beautiful gardens and a few temporary pavilions, which had been added to the main building, were all filled to capacity with the hundreds of invited guests joining Russia with the celebration.
H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, dressed in his gala uniform and his spouse; Natalia Shulgina, dressed in an elegant black dress and Mr Boris Zhilko, Minister Counsellor, also in a diplomatic uniform, formed a receiving line with all Russian diplomats at the embassy to extend a personal welcome to all invitees.
The Ambassador took the opportunity to speak personally with many of his guests. Others gradually drifted inside to join their peers and everyone was invited to sample a wide selection of vodka, brandy, wine and other beverages during the massive reception.
In his address, to the large crowd who had gathered for his speech, the Ambassador called attention to the fact that 2017 is a special year for Russia with respect to her long standing relations with the Netherlands, and noted, “In 2017 we celebrate a remarkable date: 300 years ago Tsar Peter the Great visited the Netherlands for the second time.”
He added further that, “besides pursuing his interest in science, technology, medicine, and mathematics, Peter expressed strong interest in the art and culture of the Netherlands. He was the one who gave a tremendous boost to the cooperation between our two countries and it was under his reign that Russia established its Embassy in the Netherlands.”
H.E. Ankie Broekels-Knol, President of the Senate.
He continued his remarks by announcing, in a remarkable resemblance with the Dutch spirit, “this year, Russia has declared 2017 as the “Year of Ecology” in the country, in an effort to attract public attention to the existing problems in this sphere, to maintain ecological diversity and to improve ecological security of our country.’
In recognition of the “Year of Ecology,” children of the embassy’s staff planted a small fruit garden on the embassy’s grounds to further develop a new tradition which was established by Ambassador Shulgin last year during the tree planting ceremony in recognition of Russian-Dutch friendship during the National Day.
The Ambassador of Russia, H.E. Alexander Shulgin.
Ambassador Shulgin concluded his speech with another, exciting, announcement, “for the first time in history, the Russians will enjoy two major football events to be held in Russia–the Confederation Cup 2017 and the FIFA World сup 2018.”
He continued, ‘This will be the first World Cup ever organised in Eastern Europe. The final tournament will involve 32 national teams and a total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities.” The Ambassador warmly extended invitations to all present to visit Russia in the near future and concluded his speech by cordially stating, “I would like to invite you all join the football fest.”
H.E. Soraya Alvarez Nunez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Judge Walid Akoum, from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Mr Edward Slootweg Head of Information Office , European Parliament and H.E. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi.
He also expressed his gratitude to several companies who assisted the Embassy with sponsoring the event. The Ambassador said, ‘I would like to express our gratitude to the companies “Ebben”, “Fachjan”, “ArtAqua”, “PrimaLabel” and “Peony Shop Holland” and as special appreciation I express thanks to Ludmila and Jan Groenendijk, whose family and business vividly illustrate that a Russian-Dutch bond increases creativity, brings about a lot of positive energy and changes the world for the better.”
Ms Abir Ali, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Lebanon.
Following the Ambassador’s speech and other Russia Day formalities, the celebration continued in a festive spirit with musicians and singers and a magnificent buffet served along the several salons and pavilions.
H.E. Saywan Barzani, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq together with Defence Attachés from the Embassy of Japan.
Music played, animated conversations continued, vodka flowed and guests enjoyed a wonderful program well into the night. Congratulations to the Russian team for organizing such a memorable National Day in The Hague!
On the picture Italian Ambassador to Belgium, HE Elena Basile.By Henri Estramant.Republic of Italy to the Kingdom of Belgium: HE Ambassador Elena Basile is Italy’s first female ambassador to Belgium. Previous to this appointment, she was head of mission in Sweden. Ms Basile presented credentials to HM The King of the Belgians on 16 May 2017. The latter’s mother Queen Paola is of Italian extraction. http://www.ambbruxelles.esteri.it/ambasciata_bruxelles/it/HE Ambassador Hajime Hayashi presenting credentials to The King of the Belgians.Japan to the Kingdom of Belgium: HE Ambassador Hajime Hayashi presented credentials on 16 May 2017. Previous to this diplomatic post, Ambassador Hayashi was Director General of the Nipponese Foreign Ministry.
http://www.be.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.htmlHE Ambassador Lembit Uibo with King Philippus of Belgium.Republic of Estonia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: HE Ambassador Lembit Uibo presented credentials as head of mission to Belgium on Tuesday, 16 May 2017. He is already Deputy Permanent Representative at the Representation of Estonia to the EU as well as Permanent Representative to the Political and Security Committee (PSC).
http://www.estemb.be/embassy/ambassadorHM King Philippus, VII King of the Belgians and Ambassador Manasvi Srisodapol.Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the EU: HE Ambassador Manasvi Srisodapol was previously Ambassador to Poland.
http://www2.thaiembassy.be/h-e-mr-manasvi-srisodapol-ambassador-of-thailand-presents-letter-of-credence-to-hm-king-philippe-of-the-belgians/HE Ambassador Zacharie Richard Akplogan and The King of the Belgians.Republic of Benin to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the EU, the ACP Group of States and the OPCW: HE Ambassador Zacharie Richard Akplogan is in Brussels for his first ambassadorship. Previously he held the post of chargé d’affaires en pied at Benin’s embassy to Denmark co-accredited to all Nordic states as well as the three Baltic republics. http://www.ambassadebenin.be
————-
All pictures by the Royal Palace Brussels/The Belgian Monarchy
The event was organised by the Embassy of India with the support of The Hague City Council in the Atrium of the City Hall, an iconic building, often referred to as the ‘Ice Palace’. HE Mr. Venu Rajamony, the new Ambassador of India to the Netherlands welcomed the gathering and described Yoga as the ” India’s gift to mankind.”
He announced that Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, the man behind the initiative to celebrate the International Day of Yoga three years back, would be visiting the Netherlands in few days. He send a special message to the audience ‘ in the present century we are observing that yoga has connected the entire world. Yoga is a medium to experience and realise how holistic life can be lived in a balance way’ Prime Minister said.
The event was organised in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, India Tourism Amsterdam, Art of Living Foundation, ISHA Foundation, and Jet Airways.
