On the occasion of International Yoga Day, which falls on June 21, we are reminded of the timeless legacy of yoga—a discipline that recognises no bounds of time, of culture, or of place. Based on the ancient Indian knowledge, Yoga has become a worldwide success for promoting physical fitness, mental strength and achieving spiritual peace. This feature explores the history, significance and global repercussions of International Yoga Day – describing its evolution from a national initiative to a global event.
Origins of Yoga
“Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means “to unite” or “to join. It represents the convergence between personal consciousness and universal consciousness – a wholesome approach to being healthy. Yoga has its roots in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India more than 5,000 years ago. Ancient writings like the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali established some of the philosophical and practical underpinnings of yoga, including self-discipline, meditation, and ethical behavior.
Different schools and conclusions of yoga have been developed over time, such as Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, each providing the means to their spiritual growth and realization of personal self. The discipline includes physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and moral tenets intended to bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony.
The Resolution for International Day of Yoga
The proposal to start a global day for yoga was initially suggested by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. Describing yoga as a gift from India’s ancient tradition, Modi underlined the ancient practice’s vast applicability and potential to provide a sustainable solution for lifestyle disorders. He stated:
“Yoga is such a priceless gift to our ancient tradition. The practice of yoga represents a unifying force of mind, body and thought and action and it’s a natural tool that we can use to reduce the burder to our health and our well being.”
After this initiative, on 11 December 2014 the 193 member states of the United Nations General Assembly approved the proposal. There was widespread support for the resolution, with 177 member countries sponsoring it— the maximum number ever for a UNGA resolution.
Significance of June 21
June 21 was selected as the date for International Yoga Day because it coincides with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, which is the longest day of the year. This day has spiritual significance in several traditions and is a propitious time for introspection and rejuvenation. In Hinduism, the summer solstice falls on the day when Dakshinayana begins, and is considered the adi-chAyA-vasaras day or the dakShiNAyana sankramana.
U. the First Global Yoga Day
June 21, 2015 saw the first ever International Yoga Day on which all of humanity turned up to join in YOG. Prime Minister Modi himself convened the largest ever gathering of humans for a yoga session, with 36,000 people from 84 nations practising 21 different yoga asanas for just 35 minutes at Rajpath in New Delhi and set the Guinness World Record for the biggest yoga class (according to his office).
Similar events are taking place around the world in cities such as New York, Paris, London and Sydney, proving yoga has a universal appeal and is able to connect people of different backgrounds in their quest for wellness and calm.
Topics of International Yoga Day
Every year, the International Day of Yoga focuses on a specific thematic Benefit of Yoga, in line with how it can contribute to the realization of the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For instance:
2015: “Yoga for Harmony and Peace”
2016: “Connect the Youth”
2017: “Yoga for Health”
2018: “Yoga for Peace”
2019: “Climate Action”
2020: “Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family” (as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic)
2021: “Yoga for Well-being”
2022: “Yoga for Humanity”
2023: “Yoga forVasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future)
2024: “Yoga for All”
2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
Anyway, more generally, these themes show the flexibility of yoga and its applicability to global challenges, from climate collapse to mental health and social cohesion.
Global reach and participation
Over the years, International Yoga Day has evolved into a popular worldwide event. Celebrations are conducted in more than 190 countries, millions of people – from school kids to octogenarian – participate in yoga classes, meditation sessions, workshops and awareness campaigns on the occasion. The day also aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, and how the practice can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
With a hectic and frazzled world, yoga provides a respite for those seeking calm and balance in their life. Its focus on dynamic mindfulness, as well as physical postures and controlled breathing, serves as tools to help handle stress, increase awareness, and sustain physical well-being. In addition, yoga’s versatility makes it feasible for individuals of all ages and levels of fitness, from children to the elderly, and allows it to be used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, and health care facilities.
The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) is the coordinating organization for the events, and AYUSH programs involving the ministry, the state departments of AYUSH, educational institutions, and yoga related institutions across the country have joined hands, planning this year’s events. The government’s actions have also helped the growth of some of the yoga centers and teacher training programs, cementing yoga in Indian society.
Yoga’s Role in Modern Society
Yoga as a lifestyle has been linked to many health benefits including increased flexibility, strength, posture, mental clarity, emotional stability, and an improved immune system. Moreover, the whole-being awareness created by yoga promotes compassion, empathy and the interconnectedness of the self and others, and the self and the environment.
Challenges and Criticisms
DOWNLOAD THE RAAG.fm APP Despite yoga’s popularity, its expansion as a global practice hasn’t been free of hurdles or criticism. Critics say that the commercialization of yoga in the West has stripped it of its spiritual heart and turned it into just another fitness fad. Others have concerns about cultural appropriation, when parts of yoga are taken on with no recognition of their cultural and philosophical origins.
What’s more, the focus on physical po stures in most yoga classes can detract from other important elements of yoga — like meditation, ethical guidelines, and self-inquiry. To counteract these dangers, A growing segment of the yoga community is calling for a more honest and holistic presentation of yoga, one that acknowledges its storied roots and encompasses the full range of its forms.
The Future of International Yoga Day
For the future, International Day of Yoga has value as a sign of light for the carrying of health, peace and unity to the entire earth. At a time in which the world faces climate change, mental health crises, and social disconnect, everything yoga remind us of — its ancient teachings and the practices its techniques have given rise to — are invaluable tools for building resilience, compassion, and peace.
The possibilities of International Yoga Day rests on how well it can evolve according to changing global conditions and at the same time remain rooted in its own sets of principles. Using inclusivity, cultural sensitivity and coherence; International Yoga Day should ignite in people and communities across the world the process to wellness and peace.
Conclusion
“The International Day of Yoga marks a powerful partnership between the people and the Government of the United States to fight back against the disease of coronavirus, and a gentle return to greater well-being and realization for all who practice this method.” From its early roots in India to its acceptance world-wide, Yoga has always inspired folks and communities to become more balanced, mindful, and compassionate citizens of our world.
While we observe this day, let us also pay homage to yoga’s ancient tradition and pledge to continue practicing it every day, in entirety – not only on June 21 but all 365 days of the year. In that way we serve, and through harmony and strength, we contribute to a world that is whole, where body, mind and spirit serve the greater good and support peace for all.
