9th International Yoga Day
Yoga session led by HE the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, June 21, 2023
The Permanent Mission of India to the UN, in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, organized the 9th International Yoga Day at the North Lawn area of the UN Headquarters, under the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (Yoga for “The World is One Family”). ‘).
What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originating in India. The word “yoga” derives from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Today, it is practiced in various forms across the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Recognizing its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness around the world of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and approved by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first put forward by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his opening speech to the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: “Yoga is an inestimable gift of our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action…a holistic approach (that) is valuable to our health and well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the feeling of unity with oneself, the world and nature.
The resolution highlights “the importance for individuals and populations to make healthier choices and follow lifestyles that promote good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten causes of death worldwide and a key risk factor for diseases non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. cancer and diabetes.
But yoga is much more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late BKS Iyengar, “yoga cultivates the means of maintaining a balanced attitude in everyday life and gives everyone skills in the execution of their actions”.
