International Day of Yoga - "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"

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Highlights:

• Join the global celebration of International Day of Yoga on June 21st as the world unites in a harmonious practice
• The day was established in 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly
• This year's theme for the global day is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"

International Day of Yoga (IDY) is annually commemorated on June 21st - as a part of the global movement that embraces harmony and vitality (1^✔). Embark on a global journey of self-discovery and well-being as International Day illuminates the countless benefits of yoga practice, spreading awareness across the world (2^✔).

Nurturing the Power of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient Indian wisdom that unites body and mind, empowers holistic health, and embraces the harmony between humans and nature. The term "Yoga" originates from the Sanskrit root "yuj", symbolizing "to join", "to yoke" or "to unite" (3^✔).

Step into the world of yoga, a flourishing trend that sets the stage for optimal physical and mental well-being through daily practice. Unlock the power of flexibility, strength, balance, and harmony through Yogic activities (4^✔).

‘Unlock the invaluable supremacy of ancient tradition in India �Yoga on June 21 this year as it harmonizes mind, body, and spirit, embodying the unity of human potential and embracing holistic health and well-being.#yogaday #yogicscience #yogaday2023’

The core principle of Yoga Day is public participation. Witness the global rise of yoga, transcending its identity, as affirmed by the esteemed Ayush Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This year, join the ambitious quest to unite the world from north to south, spanning the entire globe with an attempt to create the ocean ring, involving all five oceanic connections (4^✔).

Yoga: The Journey to Holistic Well-being

"From diverse forms to worldwide acclaim, yoga has captivated practitioners globally and its popularity continues to soar. In acknowledgment of its universal appeal, the United Nations officially declared 21 June as International Yoga Day through resolution 69/131 on 11 December 2014 (2^✔,3^✔).

During the inaugural session of the General Assembly's 69th session in 2014, Hon'ble Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the proposal, expressing his visionary words: "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 nature (2^✔)."

Recognizing the significance of healthy choices and lifestyle patterns for well-being, the resolution emphasizes "the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health" (2^✔).

As June 21 holds a special significance worldwide being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it was selected as the proposed date for the International Day of Yoga, endorsed by an unprecedented 175 member states, also urged by the World Health Organization (3^✔,5^✔).

While yoga addresses physical activity, it goes beyond that, as described by one of the renowned practitioners 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" (2^✔).

Symbolize the Union of Body and Consciousness Through IDY Logo

The logo of International Yoga Day - folding of both hands beautifully captures the essence of Yoga through the union of individual and universal consciousness, representing the harmony between mind, body, man, and nature (3^✔).

With symbolic elements representing Earth, Nature, Water, Fire, and the Sun as the source of energy and inspiration, the logo embodies a holistic approach to health, well-being, and peace for humanity (3^✔).

Yoga has sparked a paradigm shift towards holistic health, transforming focus towards prevention rather than cure. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit poet Bhartrihari, Yoga cultivates qualities of courage, forgiveness, and mental peace, forming a protective father, nurturing mother, and steadfast friend (3^✔,6^✔).

With truth as our child, mercy as our sister, self-control as our brother, the earth as our bed, and knowledge as our sustenance, regular yoga practice foster profound well-being (3^✔,6^✔).

Dive into Yoga Portal

Yoga, an art and science rooted in an intricately subtle science, serves as a discipline that harmonizes the connection between the mind and body. It presents a path to healthy living, fostering a perfect balance and unity between the individual consciousness and the universal consciousness, as well as the harmony between humans and nature (4^✔).

In light of these profound insights, the Ministry of Ayush has formulated guidelines to promote both physical and psychological well-being. It serves as a valuable tool to modulate the physiological response to stress factors through practices like Yogasanas, Pranayama, Dhyana (meditation), cleansing techniques, relaxation practices, and many more (4^✔).

Yoga's Call for Global Unity: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as the Theme!

Under the theme "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," International Yoga Day 2023 embodies the shared aspiration of "One Earth, One Family, and One Future" (3^✔,5^✔).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the global yoga celebration from the United Nations headquarters in New York, while Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will oversee the nation's IDY 2023 celebrations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (3^✔).

Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced these highlights during a press conference in New Delhi, marking the beginning of some of the following curtain-raiser events for the 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY- 2023) (3^✔,5^✔):

• 100 Days, 100 Cities, and 100 Organizations:

  The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, operating under the Ministry of Ayush, is spearheading a global campaign from 13th March 2023 to 21st June 2023, spanning 100 days, 100 cities, and engaging 100 organizations. The campaign's objective is to spread awareness and foster the practice of yoga among people at a national level, enhancing their health and overall well-being




• Ocean Ring of Yoga:

  Marking a significant event in IDY-2023, the program 'Ocean Ring of Yoga' will unfold on June 21st, showcasing yoga demonstrations at multiple ports and aboard various ships. With the support of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, this unique initiative will witness the participation of friendly nations, aligning with the theme of 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'




• Arctic to Antarctica:

  Prepare to be amazed as yoga demonstrations unfold across an expansive terrain, stretching from the Arctic to Antarctica. Engaging countries along the Prime Meridian, these demonstrations will reach new heights as the flight decks of INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya become spectacular stages for showcasing yoga in perfect harmony




• Yog Bharatmala:

  Joining forces under the banner of Yog Bharatmala, the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Road Organisation will orchestrate captivating yoga demonstrations at the borders, coasts, and islands. This collective endeavor not only showcases the unifying essence of yoga in diverse geographical locations but also nurtures a sense of well-being and harmony among the personnel and communities stationed in these strategic areas




• Har Aangan Yoga:

  The essence of Yoga will reverberate at the grassroots level through the active participation of Panchayats, Anganwadis, Asha/ANM workers, and local communities, forming the integral fabric of the Yoga demonstrations. Moreover, the extensive network of Health and Wellness Centers established by the Health and Ayush Ministries, exceeding 150,000 in number, along with the abundant Amrit Sarovars (approximately 50,000), will serve as immersive venues for hosting Yoga demonstrations




• Prime Minister's Yoga Awards (PMYA):

  Recognizing exceptional contributions to the promotion and development of Yoga, the prestigious Prime Minister's Yoga Awards (PMYA) honor those individuals who have made a remarkable impact in advancing this ancient practice to new heights




• IDY Quiz Contest:

  Engage in a thrilling quest for knowledge and test your understanding of the International Day of Yoga with the IDY Quiz Contest organized by the Ministry of Ayush (7^✔) Ignite your inner radiance and unlock a world of balance and serenity on this International Day of Yoga, as millions around the globe come together to nurture their well-being and embrace the path to self-discovery

References:

1. International Day of Yoga - (https:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Yoga)
2. International Day of Yoga 21 June - (https:www.un.org/en/observances/yoga-day)
3. International Yoga Day - (https:vikaspedia.in/health/ayush/yoga-1/international-yoga-day)
4. International Day of Yoga June 21st - (https:yoga.ayush.gov.in/)
5. International Yoga Day 2023 Theme, Date, History, Significance & Celebration - (https:awbi.org/international-yoga-day-2023-theme-and-history/)
6. International Day of Yoga 2023 - (https:www.mygov.in/campaigns/international-yoga-day/)
7. International Day of Yoga 2023 Quiz - (https:quiz.mygov.in/quiz/international-day-of-yoga-2023-quiz/)

Source: Medindia

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