Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Efforts to promote mental wellness and healthy lifestyles among Zimbabwean youths are gathering momentum, with more than 300 students from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) participating in a yoga and wellness session organised by the Embassy of India in Bulawayo on Friday.
The programme, which forms part of a nationwide wellness campaign, is increasingly being embraced as a practical intervention to help young people manage stress, improve emotional well-being and maintain healthy lifestyles amid growing academic and social pressures.
Held in partnership with the Zimbabwe Medical Students Association and The Art of Living Foundation, the session introduced students to breathing techniques and basic yoga practices designed to enhance concentration, physical fitness and mental resilience.The Embassy of India described the turnout as encouraging and said it had reinforced plans to expand the initiative to reach more communities across the country.
“The great interest and active engagement shown by the students have given the Embassy further motivation to expand these wellness programmes. Moving forward, the Embassy plans to host future yoga events on a grander scale to share these healthy lifestyle practices with as many Zimbabweans as possible across the country,” the Embassy said.
The Embassy also expressed gratitude to NUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo and the university administration for supporting the event.The initiative comes at a time when educational institutions and health professionals are placing increased emphasis on mental health challenges affecting young people, including stress, anxiety and burnout associated with academic demands and economic pressures.Globally, yoga has gained recognition as a complementary wellness practice that combines physical exercise, controlled breathing and mindfulness to support mental, emotional and physical health.
The Bulawayo event is part of a nationwide yoga outreach programme launched by the Embassy earlier this month. The campaign began with a youth wellness session at Young Africa in Chitungwiza before expanding to Marondera and Mutare, where students and young cricketers were introduced to yoga techniques and wellness practices.
According to the Embassy, the outreach programme is building momentum ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations scheduled for June 21 in Victoria Falls, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.
A preparatory wellness event is also set to take place on June 14 at India House in Harare as part of activities leading up to the global commemoration.”Through these activities, the Embassy remains committed to strengthening the close cultural ties between India and Zimbabwe while promoting healthy, stress-free lifestyles,” the Embassy said.
New Ziana
