Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino and Mthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Writers
MINISTER of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, has encouraged Indian businesses to expand their investments to the region especially in the pharmaceutical and agriculture sectors.
She made the remarks yesterday following a courtesy visit to her office by India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramha Kumar.
Minister Ncube said there was potential for the two countries to exploit abundant opportunities to transform and expand relations in the near future, while appreciating the Zimbabwe-India trade and investment as key for Bulawayo.
Amb Kumar also said he was engaging officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; and Industry and Commerce along with other key ministries to ensure enabling government-to-government frameworks that promote and facilitate business interactions.
He said Zimbabwean and Indian trade bodies, along with the peoples from the two countries, should further enhance existing bilateral relations to deepen the existing cooperation.
Meanwhile, over 300 university students at the National University of Science and technology (NUST) also participated at the interactive Yoga and wellness session as part of the India-Zimbabwe cultural exchange and cooperation programme.
The session, which served as a build-up to the upcoming 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations, was organised by the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Medical Students Association (ZIMSA) and The Art of Living Foundation.
Students received training on basic yoga postures and breathing exercises designed to help manage stress, improve focus, and maintain their physical and mental health.
“Through these Yoga activities, we remain committed to strengthening the close cultural ties between India and Zimbabwe and supporting healthy, stress-free lifestyles.
“The great interest and active engagement shown by the students have given us motivation to expand these wellness programmes,” he said.
“Moving forward, we plan to host future Yoga events on a grander scale to share these healthy lifestyle practices with as many Zimbabweans as possible across the country,” Amb Kumar.
To date, the Embassy of India has held Yoga sessions in Marondera, Mutare, Chitungwiza and Bulawayo, with more expected in other parts of the country, before the main IDY celebrations scheduled for June 21 in Victoria Falls.
The event formed part of preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga commemorations and sought to promote mental and physical well-being among young people grappling with academic and social pressures.
Held as part of the Indian Embassy’s nationwide wellness initiative, the programme introduced students and staff to breathing exercises, guided meditation and yoga routines designed to help reduce stress, improve concentration and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The International Day of Yoga is commemorated annually on June 21 after being proclaimed by the United Nations in 2014 to raise awareness about the physical and mental benefits of yoga.
Amb Kumar said the sessions focused on simple yoga postures and breathing techniques that can help students manage stress, maintain emotional balance and improve both mental and physical health.
“The great interest and active engagement shown by the students have given the Embassy further motivation to expand these wellness programmes,” he said.
ZIMSA national president Noel Manyise said hosting the programme at Nust for the first time was a significant milestone for both the association and the university.
He said changes in modern lifestyles had contributed significantly to rising stress levels among young people.
Manyise said the initiative aimed to equip students with practical coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety associated with modern academic life.
“Zimbabwe is among the few countries now taking part in the initiative. It is not about religion, but about equipping people with survival skills that help them manage modern-day stress,” he said.
He added that changing lifestyles and increasing academic demands had contributed significantly to rising stress levels among young people, making mental wellness initiatives more critical than ever.
