One of the great things India has given the world is Yoga. Now 21 June is celebrated as International Day of Yoga (IDY), after India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed the idea in his speech to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi 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.”
Recognizing its universal appeal, the idea received support from 177 nations, the highest number of co-sponsors for any UN resolution and June 21 was the day chosen, because it is the Summer Solstice, the time of the longest day in the year. The purpose of this day is to create international awareness about the indispensable benefits of Yoga and its impact on the lives of people. It aims to encourage new people to adopt the yogi lifestyle.
The first IDY was celebrated in 2015, in Delhi, India where nearly 36,000 people, including Prime Minister Modi, and other high-profile political figures from all around the world, performed 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes.
IDY Theme 2022
Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity for promoting sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth and in keeping with this spirit, the theme for this year’s Yoga Day celebrations is “Yoga for Humanity.”
This theme is also in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, which has been an unprecedented human tragedy. We know that beyond the pandemic’s immediate impact on physical health, it has also intensified psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as the pandemic enforced restrictions and lockdowns. Where many people around the world were forced to either self-isolate, and not see family or friends, or sadly many people also lost loved ones. The toll has been felt by us all and times have been hard, not just mentally but economically too.
During this time, many people around the world, started to embrace yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated, to help fight the social isolation and depression. 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.
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient art that refreshes the mind and soothes the soul. The word ‘Yoga’ has been derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Yuj’ and ‘Yujir’ meaning ‘Together’ or ‘ To Unite’. Yoga can have different meanings like the unity of soul, mind, and body, togetherness of thoughts and actions. While performing Yoga serves different benefits including relieving mental stress, enhancing physical and muscular strength, maintaining balance, and improving stamina.
Nandhiji – “There is a strong relationship between Yoga and sustainability”
In 2020, when we were all in the eye of the COVID-19 storm, I was able to interview the Divine Nandhiji, spiritual leader, visionary and Yogi for my latest book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations. Nandhiji lives between the US and India and his teachings are of the seldom-revealed source of yogic wisdom of the Siddha Sages, the liberated mystics of South India. and gives us a ‘yogic perspective.’
My conversation with Nandhiji has remained with me, when he spoke about yoga, giving me his ‘yogi perspective’ and the idea that yoga creates a sustainable mindset, which is vital for the planet. Nandhiji said: “The goal of yoga is to enhance and expand Consciousness and one of the attributes of Consciousness is to look at humanity and the planet as whole. Yoga is also about unity. Therefore, it is natural for yoga practitioners to be sensitive to global warming and the current perils that affects us all as humanity.”
Nandhiji also said at that time, “In today’s world, the International Yoga Day presented by India to the globe reaffirms the ancient wealth of India with Consciousness.”
IDY 2022 Around the World
Events are taking place all over the world and on 20 June at the UN’s headquarters in New York, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN is celebrating the 8th annual IDY at the North Lawn, featuring a lecture and yoga demonstration, which you can watch live on UN WebTV.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the Government of India, has launched WHO mYoga – a yoga app to help people stay active and healthy. The app contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and accompany yoga practice and is an easy-to-use and free tool for both people, who are trying yoga for the first time, and for those who already practice yoga regularly.
Here in the UK, the High Commission of India (HCI) has organised a host of IDY events, with different partners and organisations, where everyone is enjoying the experience, including the British Army. Where a joint venture between the London District Engagement Team and the HCI was held on 17 June. It was a refreshing session led by a professional instructor from Chi Kri Yoga, in the gardens of Wellington Barrack’s Officers’ Mess, in view of Buckingham Palace. Taking part in the practice were the Military Advisor’s to the Indian High Commission, Brigadier Vikramjit Singh Gill and Commodore, Anil Jaggi with the whole event being overseen by the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Sujit Ghosh.
The next big event is in London, on 21 June 2022 from 0900 – 1030 hrs at the famous Neasden Temple.
Last Thoughts By The Late B. K. S. Iyengar
If you are participating in IDY or inspired to try yoga, I shall leave you with this quote by the famous yoga teacher, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.”
Let us all make sure that we see humanity this yoga day.
About the Author
Sangeeta Waldron is the global editor at India CSR. She is Founder of Serendipity PR & Media. Author of Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, published by LID Business Media.
Read more articles by Sangeeta Waldron
