The Recognition of June 21 as International Yoga Day
On June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is spearheading the tenth annual International Yoga Day festivities in Srinagar. Modi has been a prominent advocate for the benefits of yoga, significantly promoting its practice worldwide. Although yoga has long been esteemed as India’s valuable contribution to global wellness, its official acknowledgment by the United Nations occurred following Modi’s efforts in 2014.
United Nations Endorsement
The international community commemorates June 21 as International Yoga Day, each year with a specific theme—this year’s being “Yoga for Self and Society”. Last year’s theme was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth One Family,” with Modi leading the celebrations at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
On December 11, 2014, during its 69th session, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution designating June 21 as International Day of Yoga. In his address, Modi highlighted yoga as “an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition,” promoting unity of mind and body and offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. The first International Yoga Day in 2015 at Raj Path in New Delhi saw Modi and other dignitaries setting two Guinness World Records for the largest yoga session and the highest number of participating nationalities.
The Ancient Philosophy of Well-Being
According to the United Nations, yoga is an ancient practice from India, uniting body and consciousness. While today yoga is often associated with physical exercise and breathing techniques, its broader definition includes spiritual discipline. Its philosophical roots trace back to the Six Doctrines of Salvation in Hinduism, where it pairs with Sankhya.
Yoga encompasses a wide range of religious practices and self-discipline acts, with practitioners known as Yogis. Historically, yoga philosophy emphasized psychic training for salvation, particularly in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. During the medieval period, tantric schools adopted more complex yoga techniques, leading to its exclusivity.
Yoga for Health and Wellness
Today, yoga is a widely practiced philosophy promoting physical and mental well-being, with millions of adherents globally. BKS Iyengar, a renowned practitioner, noted that yoga fosters a balanced attitude and enhances skill in daily actions.
The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) outlines popular yoga practices in its 2019 ‘Common Yoga Protocol,’ including Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, and others. The Yoga Day logo, as described by AYUSH, symbolizes the harmony between individual and universal consciousness, reflecting a holistic approach to health and well-being. The logo’s elements represent the earth, nature, fire, and the sun, symbolizing energy and inspiration.