A Decade Of Global Yoga: Nurturing Well-being And Unity
On June 21st, 2024, the world celebrated a significant milestone – the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY), themed "Yoga for Self and Society."
International Day of Yoga (IDY), themed "Yoga for Self and Society." This occasion not only highlighted Yoga's ancient origins in India but also its profound impact on global well-being. Originating from the integration of body, mind, and spirit, Yoga offers a holistic approach to health, promoting physical vitality, mental clarity, and societal harmony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored Yoga's universal significance during the 2024 IDY celebrations in Srinagar, emphasizing, “Yoga helps us realize that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world.”
Central to Yoga's global embrace is Prime Minister Modi's unwavering advocacy. His seminal proposal at the United Nations in 2014 led to the declaration of June 21st as the International Day of Yoga, a resolution overwhelmingly supported by 177 member states. Since its inception, IDY has grown into a momentous global event, with PM Modi himself leading celebrations at iconic locations across India, from Kartavya Path in Delhi to the serene landscapes of Srinagar. In 2023, PM Modi led the Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where representatives from over 135 countries practiced Yoga together. This event underscored the global unity and collective spirit that Yoga promotes.
Domestically, Prime Minister Modi has spearheaded a comprehensive approach to promote Yoga, ensuring coordinated efforts across government departments and active engagement from state governments. This strategy aims to cultivate widespread awareness of Yoga's manifold benefits, thereby enhancing public health and overall well-being. Notably, initiatives like "Yoga Bharatmala," a synchronized chain of Yoga demonstrations by the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary units, and "Yoga Sagarmala," coastal and island Yoga sessions, exemplify the breadth of its impact within India.
Internationally, the "Global Yoga Ring" in 2022 showcased a 24-hour relay of IDY activities, intricately linked with PM Modi's visionary "One Sun One Earth campaign." This initiative highlighted Yoga's ability to unify diverse global
communities through shared practices of mindfulness and physical well-being. Furthermore, IDY gatherings at iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Brasilia, the Dead Sea, and the base of Mount Everest underscored Yoga's cultural resonance and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries.
The "Ocean Ring" of Yoga in 2023 saw naval personnel from 19 ships across 34 countries participating, demonstrating Yoga's unique capacity to foster camaraderie and unity. Additionally, the unique initiative "Arctic to Antarctica" brought Yoga demonstrations to regions spanning the Prime Meridian, North Pole, and South Pole, symbolizing inclusivity and global connectivity.
In 2016, UNESCO's inscription of Yoga on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity further validated its holistic benefits. This recognition aligns with global efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and international cooperation in public health.
Similarly, International Yoga Day 2024 saw a wave of record-setting events across India. The theme "Yoga for Self and Society" inspired diverse participation. PGIMER, Chandigarh & CCRYN were recognized by the Asia Book of Records for the largest gathering of healthcare professionals practicing yoga. In Andhra Pradesh, 1,000 students, including 600 with special needs, set a record at the Chennupati Ramakotaiah Nagar Indoor Stadium, earning recognition from the International Genius Book of Records and Miracles World Record. Rajasthan's Dr. Radhakrishnan Sarvepalli Rajasthan Ayurveda University achieved a world record with 39 participants performing 'Gatyatmak Shashank Bhujangasana' 5,028 times over 12 hours. The Raj Bhavan's Yoga Pledge Campaign in Uttar Pradesh saw 25,93,276 participants, setting a new Guinness World Record. Karnataka's Akshar Yoga Centre in Bengaluru set 5 Guinness World Records with over 3,000 participants, including military and police personnel, performing various asanas. These record-breaking achievements reflect the universal appeal of Yoga, demonstrating its profound impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being across all corners of society. The dynamic branding and visionary efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have played a pivotal role in promoting Yoga, transforming it into a global movement that unites diverse communities and fosters holistic health worldwide.
Prime Minister Modi envisions Yoga not merely as physical exercise but as a catalyst for societal harmony and individual empowerment. His leadership has transformed Yoga into a global movement, symbolizing unity and holistic health on a worldwide scale.
As we reflect on a decade of the International Day of Yoga, the theme "Yoga for Self and Society" resonates as a testament to its transformative power. It promotes individual well-being and fosters a healthier, more harmonious global community, embodying the spirit of unity and collective growth. Through these initiatives, Yoga continues to bridge cultural divides, promote wellness, and unite humanity in a shared journey towards holistic health. This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of Yoga's enduring legacy and its capacity to inspire positive change, one breath at a time.
