The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is a global event that takes place every year on the 21st of June. The theme for IDY 2020 was ‘Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home’, an apt focus considering the social distancing measures necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide.
The Origins of International Day of Yoga
The concept of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by India at the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014. Later that year, the UN officially declared the 21st of June as the day to celebrate yoga globally.
The inaugural IDY in 2015 set two Guinness World Records. The event, held at Rajpath in New Delhi, saw the largest yoga session ever recorded with 35,985 participants from 84 different nationalities.
The Philosophy and Practice of Yoga
Yoga is a traditional discipline that originated in ancient India, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual practices. Derived from Sanskrit, the term ‘yoga’ means to join or unite, symbolizing the integration of body and consciousness. In contemporary times, yoga has evolved into various forms and has gained widespread popularity across the globe.
India’s Role in Promoting Yoga
India continues to play a vital role in promoting the practice of yoga on an international scale. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), in its ‘Common Yoga Protocol’, includes elements such as Yama, Niyama, and Asana among the well-known yoga ‘sadhanas’.
Career Opportunities in Yoga
The Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), established under the National Skill Development Corporation and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, offers vocational education courses in yoga for schools following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. To date, around 96,196 individuals have been trained as yoga instructors and trainers through skilling initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Yoga and the Fit India Movement
In addition to being a standalone discipline, yoga also forms an integral part of the Fit India Movement. This nationwide campaign aims to motivate individuals to incorporate physical activities and sports, including yoga, into their daily routines.
The International Day of Yoga serves as a testament to yoga’s timeless appeal and relevance, its adaptable nature permitting it to be practiced anywhere, from homes to classrooms, and its potential for fostering physical health, mental well-being, and community building.