International Day of Yoga 2022: History, significance and theme
“People around the world embraced yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression during the pandemic. Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of Covid-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety.” The United Nations said ahead of International Day of Yoga 2022.
Further stated, “The essence of yoga is balance – not just balance within the body or that between the mind and the body, but also balance in the human relationship with the world. Yoga emphasises the values of mindfulness, moderation, discipline and perseverance. When applied to communities and societies, Yoga offers a path for sustainable living.”
Every year on June 21, the International Day of Yoga is commemorated with zeal.
History and Importance:
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi originally suggested an UN-mandated International Day of Yoga during a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014. PM Modi described Yoga as an “invaluable gift of India’s ancient culture” and advocated for “harmony between man and nature” via it in his speech.
In the September 27, 2014 address, PM Modi said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
This initiative received support from 177 countries, the biggest number of co-sponsors ever for a UNGA Resolution of this kind. The International Day of Yoga has been an annual, global celebration since June 21, 2015, after Prime Minister Modi’s request. The date of June 21 was chosen because it coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, which has special importance in many regions of the world.
The AYUSH Ministry organised the first-ever Yoga Day, when over 35,985 persons, including Prime Minister Modi and dignitaries from 84 countries, did 21 asanas for 35 minutes at New Delhi’s Rajpath. The first-ever International Day of Yoga set two records: the largest yoga class and the most number of countries in attendance.
Theme:
Yoga, according to the United Nations, may be an important tool in humanity’s collective drive to promote a sustainable lifestyle in balance with the world. The theme for this year’s Yoga Day events is “Yoga for Humanity,” in keeping with this attitude.
