On 20th May 2025, The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Ethiopia and with support from the Ministry of AYUSH, organised a special edition of Harit Yoga at the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi. Titled ‘Exploring Ethiopian and India’s Gifts To The World’, the event served as a serene prelude to the upcoming International Day of Yoga 2025, beautifully blending wellness, sustainability, and cross-cultural camaraderie.
H.E. Ambassador Fesseha Shawel, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India exclaimed “Yoga is a precious gift from India to the world. It inspires unity and holistic health. Tonight’s event beautifully merges our traditions of hospitality, mindfulness, and sustainability,” he said. Adding further, he shared, “Through events like this, we build bridges that connect cultures and promote wellness as a global pursuit. The harmony of yoga and Ethiopia’s coffee tradition is a perfect example of that.”
Alphons Kannanthanam, former Union Minister, highlighted the power of coffee to energize, but reminded us that it is yoga that truly connects us to the universe. Embracing the idea that we are all part of a greater whole, he spoke as an animal lover and a strong advocate for peace over terror, urging the world to lean into compassion, consciousness, and unity.
Dignitaries attending the event included H.H. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji, Shri Gurpreet Singh, Former OSD to AYUSH and Defence and Former Additional Private Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Government of India, and Senior Consultant at HR REC Ltd., a Maharatna company; Mr. Garish Oberoi, Honorary Treasurer of FHRAI; Mr. Subhash Goyal, Founder Chairman of STIC Travel Group of Companies; Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of Aroma Magic; Dr. Sanjanaa Jon, filmmaker and philanthropist; and Mr. Lalit Madan, Yoga Trainer certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.