By Mabel Pais

The UN THEME FOR the International Day of Yoga (IDY) – 21 JUNE this year is ‘YOGA FOR HUMANITY.’

The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. 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 emphasizes the values of mindfulness, moderation, discipline and perseverance. When applied to communities and societies, Yoga offers a path for sustainable living.

Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity for promoting sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth. In keeping with this spirit, the theme for this year’s Yoga Day celebrations is “Yoga for Humanity.” Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”

The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

YOGA DURING COVID

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.

In addition to the human suffering, the COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted several key vulnerabilities of the economic and developmental models of countries around the world. Future prosperity demands that the UN member states rebuild differently as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN 2022 EVENTS

Learn Yoga from the Masters

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations invites you to a celebration of the 8th annual International Yoga Day on 20 June 2022, from 5:30-7:30 pm EST at the North Lawn of UN Headquarters in New York, featuring a lecture and yoga demonstration. See the programme at pminewyork.gov.in/IDYatUN

Watch live on media.un.org/en/webtv. The World of Yoga

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN presents “The World of Yoga” exhibition at the UN Delegates’ entrance from 21 June – 1 July 2022. The digital exhibition offers a glimpse into the annual celebrations of the Day and presents a standardized set of Yoga practices, called the ‘Common Yoga Protocol,’ a good starting point for beginners to get inducted into the highly rewarding world of Yoga.

(Excerpted from UN.org)

(Mabel Pais writes on Health & Wellness, Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Cuisine and Spirituality)