The upcoming Eighth International Day of Yoga, scheduled for 21st June 2022, is a globally celebrated event, with this year’s theme being ‘Yoga for Humanity’. In the spirit of this day, let’s delve into the historical background of this event, its significance, and related initiatives that emphasize the importance of yoga.
The Origins of International Day of Yoga
In 2014, during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India proposed the idea of the International Day of Yoga (IDY). The UN agreed to establish 21st June as IDY, passing a resolution in December 2014. A year later, the first Yoga Day was celebrated at Rajpath in New Delhi, setting two Guinness World Records for hosting the world’s largest yoga session with 35,985 participants from 84 nationalities.
About Yoga and Its Significance
Steeped in ancient Indian history, yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice. The Sanskrit term ‘yoga’ translates to ‘join’ or ‘unite’, signifying the union of the body and consciousness. Today, yoga is practiced worldwide in varying forms and grows increasingly popular due to its positive impacts on health and wellbeing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, yoga played a crucial role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of quarantined and isolated patients. Owing to its benefits, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised member states to practice yoga and included it in its Global Action Plan for Physical Activity 2018-30.
Importance of International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day aims to create global awareness about yoga’s holistic approach to maintaining physical and mental health. It strives to instill a habit of meditation for peace of mind and self-awareness, essential for living in a stress-free environment.
Related Initiatives Promoting Yoga
Several significant initiatives have been undertaken to promote the practice of yoga. The Prime Minister of India introduced the M-Yoga App, an effort to achieve ‘One World One Health’. This app was created in collaboration with WHO and India’s Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
A new web portal dedicated to International Day of Yoga provides updated, relevant information on this event. This portal includes a social wall for visitors to monitor discussions and participate, and is linked to vital web pages like Swachh Bharat and Make in India.
Recognizing yoga’s significance, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports categorized it as a sports discipline in 2015. The AYUSH Ministry’s ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ lists popular yoga practices, while vocational courses in yoga are available to CBSE schools through the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), a non-profit organization under the National Skill Development Corporation.
Other noteworthy initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) have trained thousands of individuals as yoga instructors and trainers. Finally, as part of the Fit India Movement, yoga encourages citizens to incorporate physical activities and sports into their daily routines.
