The event was attended by school leaders, representatives from the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, and approximately 130 faculty members, students, and yoga practitioners.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Bui Thanh Nam, Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, stated that, stemming from the historic proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its adoption by the United Nations, Yoga has transcended national boundaries, becoming a shared asset and a great intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Derived from the ancient Sanskrit word “Yuj” – meaning unity – Yoga is not merely a set of physical exercises. It is a profound philosophical system guiding people towards the absolute harmony between Body, Mind, and Intellect, opening up a state of inner peace and harmony between humanity and nature.
Therefore, when choosing the message for this year's festival held at VNU-USSH, it was"Mind and Body United – Human Connection”The University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-USSH) wishes to affirm a profound harmony. VNU-USSH – a school with a "Humanistic" identity – where people and human values are at the center, today joins the flow of Yoga heritage to create a space for mindfulness and sharing.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities
The school's leadership shared that in today's volatile and stressful modern world, mastering and caring for one's mental and physical health is more important than ever. The presence of numerous faculty members, yoga practitioners, and students at the event is the most vivid evidence of the proactive spirit in building a healthy and positive lifestyle. This event also serves as a bridge for people-to-people and cultural diplomacy, further strengthening the friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and India, which the school greatly values.
Expressing the Embassy's sincere gratitude for the cooperation of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi in organizing International Yoga Day, Mr. Aakash Sagar Wankhade, First Secretary (Political & Information) & Chief of Staff of the Indian Embassy, emphasized that this is a significant event, a vivid testament to the vibrant cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges, further contributing to strengthening the friendship between India and Vietnam.
Twelve years after the initiative to organize International Yoga Day was adopted, the event has been celebrated in many countries around the world, including Vietnam. The celebration has been held in numerous provinces and cities, as well as universities, connecting people and contributing to improved health, happiness, and harmony within the community.
Mr. Aakash Sagar Wankhade, First Secretary (Political & Information) & Chief of Staff, Embassy of India
With approximately three decades of experience in the development of Indian studies in Vietnam, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is proud to be one of the leading training and research institutions, contributing to the education of generations of students knowledgeable about the history, culture, society, language, and Vietnam-India relations; while also promoting numerous research activities, academic exchanges, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. The university has collaborated with the Indian Embassy to organize exhibitions of Vietnamese research on Indian history, culture, diplomacy, and ancient maritime routes connecting the Indian subcontinent with Southeast Asia. Cultural exchanges and cooperation in research and training have been vibrant throughout the university.
At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the Bachelor of Indian Studies program equips students with multifaceted knowledge of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history (from the Indus Valley Civilization and Mughal dynasties to the British colonial period); the system of thought, philosophy, and religion (Buddhism, Hinduism, Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence); language, socio-cultural aspects; and especially the bilateral diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations between Vietnam and India. The university regularly organizes exhibitions of Vietnamese scientific research on history and culture. Students and faculty are given opportunities to participate in exchange programs and scholarships from the Indian Government (ICCR), major international conferences, and connect directly with diplomatic and cultural institutions.
During the State visit to India by General Secretary and President To Lam in May 2026, the two countries agreed to establish the ICCR Chair of India Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. This is an important legal and academic step, paving the way for leading professors and scholars from India to directly teach and conduct in-depth research at the university. At the same time, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam is collaborating with the university to enrich the India Corner at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to better serve academic exchange and cultural interaction between the two countries.
The lamp-lighting ceremony was solemnly held during International Day of Yoga at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Nearly 130 faculty members, lecturers, students, and yoga practitioners participated in a mass performance of the Common Yoga Protocol as part of the program.
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Author:Thuy Dung, Xuan Bach, Dinh Tung - USSH Media
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