Celebrations for the 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) took place on June 21st, with a range of events and initiatives held across India. The IDY theme for this year was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which emphasizes India’s socio-cultural heritage and promotes unity.
Promotion of Tribal Artisans through IDY
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) partnered with the Ministry of Ayush to facilitate the supply of yoga mats handcrafted by tribal artisans. Each mat is unique, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of India’s tribes, their stories, folklore, and artistic traditions. TRIFED is set to promote products and communities such as Madur mats or Madhurkathi from Medinipur, Sabai Grass Yoga Mats from Mayurbhanj, and Gondha Grass mats from Jharkhand.
Global Yoga Participation
In an endeavor to encourage worldwide participation, the Indian Navy and Merchant ships will organize yoga demonstrations at ports and vessels in friendly nations. Moreover, a coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Ayush will oversee the organization of yoga events in countries along the Prime Meridian line and UN member countries. Yoga sessions will also be held at extreme regions like Himadri in the Arctic and Bharati in Antarctica.
National Level Initiatives
At the national level, the Indian armed forces, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), and Border Roads Organization (BRO), will conduct a chain of yoga demonstrations under the programs Yoga Bharatmala and Yoga Sagarmala. The Prime Minister is scheduled to lead a yoga session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Ministry of Ayush is also encouraging Yoga in every household with “Har Aangan Yoga” initiative.
Historical Background and Significance of IDY
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) was an idea proposed by India during the opening session of the 69th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014. The UN declared 21st June as IDY by passing a resolution in December 2014. The inaugural celebrations in 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi set two Guinness World Records for being the largest yoga session ever and involving 84 nationalities.
Role and Growth of Yoga Globally
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, symbolizes the unity of body and consciousness. It is gaining popularity worldwide due to its role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of Covid-19 patients. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended its member states to practice Yoga and included it in its Global Action Plan for physical activity 2018-30.
Related Initiatives
Several initiatives are tied to the promotion of Yoga. The Prime Minister announced an M-Yoga App, a collaboration between the WHO and the Ministry of Ayush, aimed at achieving ‘One World One Health’.
A new website has been set up for International Day of Yoga (IDY), providing updated relevant information.
Recognition of Yoga as a sports discipline, inclusion in vocational education courses for schools, skilling initiatives for training yoga instructors, and the Fit India Movement are some of the many steps taken to promote Yoga.