Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s culture and ancient traditions. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself.
The origins of yoga can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India, where it was developed as a spiritual and physical discipline. Yoga incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and ethical principles that aim to promote harmony and balance in body, mind, and spirit. Yoga has gained global popularity over time, with millions of people practicing it as a means to improve their overall well-being and health in a holistic manner.
21st June is being observed as International Yoga Day every year , after Sh. Narendra Modi on 27th September 2014, proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and thereafter on 11 December 2014, India’s Permanent representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. The draft received broad support from 177 Nations (Member States) who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This co- sponsoring by 177 Nations is the highest number of co- Sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature. The date 21st June was proposed by Sh. Narendra Modi being the longest day of the year in the mass northern hemisphere, having special significance in many parts of the world.
Following the adoption of the UN resolution, several leaders of the spiritual movement voiced their support for the initiative. The first International Day of Yoga was observed around the world on 21st June 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi where 35,985 people including dignitaries from 84 nations, participated.
The United Nations designated 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131 on 11 December 2014 to recognize yoga’s widespread appeal. The aim of Yoga is to join or to unite; it symbolizes the union of body and consciousness.
The purpose of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and to encourage its adoption to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
In the last few years, Yoga has gained tremendous popularity globally. People from all walks of life including leaders, CEOs, sportspersons, actors, students and others old and young have started practicing Yoga regularly and are spreading the word that how it helped them.
Today is 10thInternational Yoga Day (IDY) and in the spirit of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, as the country is celebrating 78th year of independence this year.
This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will celebrate the event on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
This year the IDY is being organised in India and across the globe. The 2024 theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlights how yoga not only enhances personal health but also contributes to social well-being. It underscores the interconnectedness of individual and collective health, promoting yoga as a tool for personal growth and societal betterment.
Last year Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address had announced ‘Yoga for Humanity’ which had to focus on ‘Brand India at Global Stage’ while showcasing its iconic places. The IDY observation was based on a harmonious mass yoga demonstration of a custom made 45-minute protocol namely, Common Yoga Protocol (CYP).
Performing Yoga and Meditation regularly goes a long way to improve one’s health. It improves one’s sleep, helps in weight reduction, increases muscle strength and flexibility, strengthens bones, protects spine, improves digestion, increases blood flow and helps in balanced metabolism and energy regulation, thus ensuring overall improvement of health. In order to avoid illness and receive happiness, it is very important to focus on wellness for which everyone should make yoga a part of one’s life.
So let’s take a Pledge on this day that all of us who are not performing Yoga & Meditation, shall start and perform Yoga regularly and make it an Integral part of our life for our well being and better health and Urge all others to join in and reap the benefits of Yoga.
