Yoga, India’s gift to the world, has become a basis for global cooperation
and is providing a belief of a healthy life to humanity, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while leading the ‘International Day of Yoga’ celebrations in the heritage city of Mysuru in the South Indian state of
Karnataka.
“Yoga has come out of the households and has spread all over the world and
this is a picture of spiritual realization, and that of natural and shared
human consciousness, especially in the last two years of an unprecedented
pandemic,” Modi reflected in his address, soon after a mass Yoga demonstration
at Mysuru Palace along with 15, 000 participants.
On the widespread acceptance of Yoga, the Prime Minister remarked that
“Yoga has now become a global festival. Yoga is not only for any individual but for the entire humanity. Therefore, this time the theme of the International
Day of Yoga is – Yoga for humanity.”
Mass Yoga demonstrations were organized at 75 iconic locations across the
country under the leadership of 75 Union Ministers. The Prime Minister also
inaugurated the Digital yoga exhibition, showcasing the latest technologies
like Virtual Reality to project the history and wisdom of Yoga.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said in Secunderabad that the ancient
science of Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to the world and asked everyone to
make Yoga part of their daily lives and reap its benefits. He also emphasized
the need for undertaking further research on Yoga as a wellness solution.
Union Minister for Ayush, Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda
Sonowal said Yoga has brought the world together, reshaping the global values,
and is bringing different healthcare systems closer. “It’s the Prime Minister’s
vision to bring world peace and harmony by focusing on the health and
well-being of individuals, communities, nations, and the world as a whole.”
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya joined
the celebrations from Kevadia in Gujarat. The “world has accepted our culture,
tradition from time to time. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual
practice that originated in India. Our great visionary leader Prime Minister
Narendra Modi had first proposed the idea of the International Day of Yoga in his
address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly. It was
his mission that 21st June was declared as International Day of Yoga by UNGA.”
Meanwhile, the International Day of Yoga 2022 saw many new initiatives,
including the ‘Guardian Ring’ program, which is a collaborative exercise between
79 countries and United Nations organizations along with Indian Missions abroad
to illustrate Yoga’s unifying power that surpasses national boundaries.
The UN celebrated the International Day of Yoga with leaders recognizing
its potential to help heal the psychological scars of the Covid-19 pandemic and
for taking the world towards environmental sustainability.
“Today could not have come at a more opportune time as the Covid-19
pandemic has upended the lives and livelihoods, triggering a deluge of anxiety
and depression. The practice of yoga serves as a holistic approach to the
physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being of humanity,” General
Assembly President Abdulla Shahid said.
India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti said the Yoga Day
celebration was returning to the UN after two years “during which the Covid
pandemic had upended the lives of people”.
“During these difficult times, millions embraced yoga as their companion to
stay healthy, to overcome depression and mental anxiety in recognition of this
important role of yoga, this year’s theme is ‘Yoga for Humanity’,” he said.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has called on lawmakers to
integrate yoga into preventive health strategies.
ENDS
