India's Timeless Gift to the World
On June 21, people worldwide come together to celebrate International Yoga Day, a testament to yoga's enduring relevance and universal appeal. This day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2014 and endorsed by 175 member states, was proposed by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It underscores the holistic health benefits of yoga and its pivotal role in fostering a balanced lifestyle.
This year marks a special milestone as Indian Missions around the globe organise various programs to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day. From Jamaica to the UK, Fiji, Jaffna, Switzerland, Indonesia, Scotland, the Netherlands, and many more, #YogaWeek events are in full swing. These activities range from meditation sessions and live demonstrations by prominent yoga instructors to expert discussions on integrating yoga into daily life for holistic well-being.
Yoga, an ancient practice from India, unites body and consciousness, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health. Beyond mere exercise, yoga fosters self-realization, mental peace, and physical vitality through poses, meditation, and controlled breathing. Practised globally, yoga transcends age, gender, and class, offering a path to holistic well-being and inner harmony.
While yoga has historically served as a tool for India's soft power diplomacy, it has evolved into something far greater in today's world. People everywhere, both Indians and non-Indians, increasingly recognise yoga as an exceptional practice for managing stress. Its appeal crosses cultural boundaries, providing a powerful solution for mental well-being and stress relief in our fast-paced modern age.