THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
PM Starmer says meditative practices and reflection are “increasingly valuable” while Former President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind says “the journey to global peace does not begin in conference halls or corridors of power. It begins in the human heart.”
LONDON, 14 June 2026 — Heartfulness UK hosted a landmark celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Church House Westminster on Sunday, bringing together more than 500 guests in the room and thousands more online for a major gathering focused on inner harmony, global peace and the role
of contemplative practice in public life.
Held in collaboration with the Ministry of State for AYUSH, Government of India, and the High Commission of India to the United Kingdom, the event brought together senior voices from the United Kingdom, India, the Commonwealth, diplomacy, Parliament, faith communities, civil society and the wider public.
In a message shared with attendees, UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer praised Heartfulness’s role in helping people pause, reflect, and reconnect in modern life. “In a fast-moving world, people are increasingly looking for opportunities to pause, reflect and consider how they manage stress and responsibility,” he said. He added that “at a time when society can often feel divided, creating opportunities for people to pause and engage thoughtfully with others from different backgrounds and perspectives is increasingly valuable”.
Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind said the theme of the event carried “profound meaning,” adding that “inner harmony is a prerequisite for global peace” and that “every lasting change in the world begins with a change in the human heart”. He also said, “The journey to global peace does not begin in conference halls or corridors of power. It begins in the human heart”.
The former President also praised Heartfulness for its contribution to meditation and inner transformation, saying, “I would take this opportunity to appreciate the immense contribution of the Heartfulness movement in promoting inner harmony”.
India’s Minister of State for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, said the event’s theme “carries a message of great relevance for our times,” noting that “when we cultivate inner harmony, we develop greater clarity, compassion and emotional resilience”. He also commended Heartfulness for bringing together leaders from government, diplomacy, business, media, and civil society “around a shared vision of wellbeing and harmony”.
Heartfulness Global Guide, Daaji said yoga “is not merely a practice. It’s a way of being, way of life,” and described inner harmony as the foundation of broader peace. He said that “peace in the world can only arise when there is peace within each one of us,” adding that “personal transformation leads to collective upliftment”.
The event featured chair yoga, guided meditation, a live yoga demonstration, an immersive exhibition on the heritage of yoga and a classical sitar performance by Roopa Panesar, creating a programme designed to make ancient wisdom accessible, inclusive, and relevant to contemporary life.
Baroness Usha Prashar said the ancient wisdom of yoga “transcends borders” and “unites people,” while Lord Krish Raval said yoga means “union” and “speaks to the integration of body and mind, inner life and outward action, individual well-being and collective good”.
The gathering was attended by senior representatives including Ambassador Tanmaya Lal, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Deputy High Commissioner of India Karthik Pande, ambassadors, high commissioners of Commonwealth countries, UK members of Parliament, mayors, deputy mayors, councilors from the local government, faith leaders and representatives of leading yoga and community organisations.
A special message from the UK Prime Minister and remarks from senior Indian and UK leaders reflected the increasing recognition of yoga and meditation not only as personal disciplines, but as practical tools for wellbeing, resilience, and social cohesion.
Heartfulness also announced the UK launch of The Authentic Yoga and The Heartfulness Way 2, alongside a special edition of Heartfulness Magazine for attendees.
“As individuals, when we create that awareness, we become peace. And when we create that awareness collectively through Yoga and meditation, we can become a unified humanity. That is Ahimsa. And that is the start of the Heartfulness way,” said the organisation.
