New Delhi –  Filipinos in New Delhi experienced firsthand the many touted benefits of the centuries-old discipline of Yoga, as they took part in the highly successful wellness workshop hosted for them by the Embassy with noted Indian exponents of the practice.

Hosted at the Ambassador’s Official Residence on 23 August, "Sonic Symphony: Embark on a Sound Meditation Journey" was conducted for New Delhi-based Filipinos and Embassy personnel by authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher Ms. Sonakshi Dhamija and sound healer Ms. Swati Srivastava.

Sound therapy, at times called ‘ sound bath’ or ‘sound healing’, has been gaining popularity as an alternative approach to wellness. Undertaken in tandem with meditation, it involves the use of soothing sounds and vibrations, often generated by ‘singing bowls’ or resting bells, to induce a deeply relaxing state.

The early morning session walked the participants through an invigorating blend of basic yoga “āsanas” (postures) and “sound bath” immersion and meditation. A soft monsoon drizzle made for an even more immersive experience. At its conclusion, the workshop was met with extremely positive reception by Filipinos, many of whom expressed a keen interest in a next iteration.

“This wellness event is one of many ways we seek to support mental and physical wellness among our community of Filipinos, the overwhelming majority of whom are women”, said Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio. 

There are an estimated 3,000 Filipinos across India, mostly women married to Indian nationals. In New Delhi, there are two major organizations, the Filipino India Community (FIC) and the Kapisanan ng mga Pinay na May Asawang Indiana sa Hindustan (Kapihan). Both have cordial and fruitful collaborative ties with the Embassy.

The activity was held in implementation of the Embassy’s Gender and Development (GAD) goals, as well as its commitment to cultivating connection among Filipinos. END