International Yoga Day 2021

OV Digital Desk
2 Min Read
International Yoga Day 2021

International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21 June to spread awareness about the importance and effects of yoga on the health and wellbeing of people. It is celebrated on the day since 2015 after its inception in UNGA in 2014. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his UN address in 2014, had suggested the date of 21st June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

The theme of International Yoga Day 2021 is “Yoga for well-being”.

On the day, The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today appealed to the people to make Yoga a part of their daily lives. Whereas Prime minister, Shri Modi conveyed Yoga as a ray of hope in the Covid-hit world.

Origin and History

The idea of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014.

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.

On 11 December 2014, India’s Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. The draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote.  This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, which is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.

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