The International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated globally on June 21 to emphasize the importance of Yoga in the contemporary era. In a befitting tribute to the occasion, Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the UN headquarters underscored the significance of the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the world in celebrating the International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the North Lawn of the United Nations headquarters, where delegates from 180 nations participated. Around 250 million individuals were estimated to have participated in this event across the globe.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) chief Csaba Korosi, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, and Mayor of New York City Eric Adams welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived to lead a special Yoga session at the UN Hqs to celebrate the 9th edition of IDY. This year, the theme of the day was ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which represents our shared desire for “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said, “Today’s celebration is indeed special as it was under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership that June 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga and Modi Ji is here with us today to lead us to practice yoga in the backdrop of scenic multicultural setting of the UN. It is indeed befitting to see the inspiration behind the idea with us today.”
Addressing the gathering, the 77th UNGA president Csaba Korosi dwelt on the importance of Yoga and said, “Yoga not only enhances our physical performance but also invigorates us mentally and intellectually. I have been an admirer of Yoga. Our world needs balance and self-control and Yoga is the means to achieve it.”
Delighted to be part of the celebrations at the UN, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “This International Yoga Day is a call for us to stand up for humankind across the globe and all living being. I am proud to represent this city symbolically. Prime Minister Modi’s message here is to tell people to move from just being practitioners to executors and that we must execute what we learn from Yoga Day…”
The concept of International Day of Yoga was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2014 address to the United Nations General Assembly. Since then, 21st June every year is being celebrated globally as such and yoga has gained global acceptance due to its ability to enhance flexibility, strength, balance, and overall fitness.
In a video message on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace and made a fervent appeal to eliminate contradictions, hurdles, and resistances through Yoga…Indians have welcomed new ideas and conserved them and celebrated the country’s rich diversity. “Yoga strengthens such feelings, expands the inner vision, and connects us with that consciousness which makes us feel the unity and love for the living being.” Modi also said, “The coming together of more than 180 countries on India’s call is historic. When the proposal for Yoga Day came to the United Nations, it was supported by a record number of countries during his 2014 address to the United Nations General Assembly,” adding “Yoga comes from India. And, it is a very old tradition. But like all ancient Indian traditions, it is also living and dynamic. Yoga is free from copyright, free from patents, and free from royalty payments. Yoga is adaptable – to your age, gender, and fitness level. Yoga is portable – you can do it at home, or at work, or in transit.
Striking a typically Indian note, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded with ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’ (meaning May everyone be happy, may everyone be healthy!). He pleaded with the world community, “Let us use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world, and a cleaner, greener, and sustainable future. Let us join hands together to realize the goal of One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
To mark the day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in a yoga session alongside Indian Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. After the session, the minister addressed the gathering and felicitated the yoga instructors.
Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal celebrated it in Mumbai while Union Minister Anurag Thakur performed Yoga in Hamirpur. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Baba Ramdev performed Yoga in Haridwar to mark the 9th IDY. Besides, a large number of people performed the Yoga asanas (poses) at the Patanjali Peeth in Haridwar.
The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Uzbekistan. Tashkent’s National Park saw the Uzbek Sports Minister Adkham Ikramov joining the 2000 yoga enthusiasts gathered there to practise Yoga along with Ambassador of India in Uzbekistan, Manish Prabhat. The iconic city of Samarkand also celebrated IDY-2023, with Deputy Governor of Samarkand Region Rustam Kobilov joining the occasion with 1000 yoga lovers.
– With inputs from ANI & PTI
