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International Yoga Day

Yoga is an invaluable gift of Indian culture, which has become a medium of health, mental peace and spiritual progress all over the world today. Yoga is not just exercise, but a process of harmony between body, mind and soul. In the modern lifestyle, where health problems are increasing due to mental stress, irregular eating habits and physical inactivity, yoga has emerged as an effective solution.

With the aim of recognizing the importance and effect of yoga at the global level, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as "International Yoga Day". This day not only underlines the importance of yoga, but is also a global effort to spread it to the masses.

Meaning and definition of yoga

The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'yuj', which means 'to join' or 'unity'. Yoga means - union of body, mind and soul. It is not limited to physical postures only, but it is a journey towards meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), ethical lifestyle and spiritual consciousness.

Yoga philosophy states: "Yoga Chittavritti Nirodhah" — It means, Yoga is the process of purifying and controlling the activities of the mind.

Initiation of International Yoga Day

The initiative for World Yoga Day was taken by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September 2014 and called for international recognition of Yoga.

His proposal was supported by 177 countries – one of the most supported proposals in the history of the United Nations. As a result, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 June as International Yoga Day on 11 December 2014.

For the first time, this day was celebrated all over the world on 21 June 2015. In India, it started with a grand beginning at Rajpath, New Delhi, where thousands of people performed yoga together and set a new world record.

Why was 21st June chosen?

21st June is also called the Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice does not have a fixed date every year, but it usually occurs between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Among these, June 21 is the most common date, while June 20 and June 22 are less frequent. It symbolizes the awakening of the energy of the sun and natural consciousness, that is why it was chosen as Yoga Day.

Types of Yoga

There are various methods and paths of yoga, according to which it is divided into different categories:

1. Hatha Yoga: Yoga based on physical health and balance, in which asanas and pranayama are the main ones.

2. Raja Yoga: Yoga of meditation, concentration and mental discipline.

3. Bhakti Yoga: The path of purification of the soul through devotion and love to God.

4. Karma Yoga: The yoga of progress of the soul through selfless action.

5. Gyan Yoga: The path of liberation through self-realization and self-awareness.

The aim of all these is self-realization and attainment of salvation.

Ashtanga Yoga

In Yoga philosophy, yoga is divided into eight parts, which is called Ashtanga Yoga.

  1. Yama (moral rules – non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession)
  2. Niyama (personal discipline – cleanliness, contentment, penance, self-study, devotion to God)
  3. Asana (body stability)
  4. Pranayama (breath control)
  5. Pratyahara (restraint of senses)
  6. Dharana (concentration)
  7. Dhyana (meditation)
  8. Samadhi (extreme state of spiritual consciousness)

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga provides benefits at all three levels – physical, mental and spiritual.

1. Physical benefits

  • Increases flexibility and balance in the body.
  • Improves digestive system, blood circulation and heart function.
  • Weight control and strengthens muscles.
  • Increases immunity.

2. Mental benefits

  • Relieves stress, anxiety and depression.
  • Sleep improves.
  • Concentration and memory increase.
  • Mental peace and self-confidence increase.

3. Spiritual benefits

  • Connecting with the soul increases.
  • Ego erodes and humility comes.
  • A balanced approach to life develops.

Yoga and global impact

Through World Yoga Day, India has made yoga a global movement. Today, millions of people in countries like America, Europe, Africa, Japan, Australia are also doing yoga regularly. Yoga is being adopted in schools, colleges, offices and prisons.

The WHO (World Health Organization) has also recognized yoga as an effective measure of mental health improvement.

Role of yoga in the COVID-19 pandemic: During the corona virus pandemic, when the whole world was struggling with stress, depression and health problems, yoga emerged as a strong support. Regular yoga practice has helped millions of people to increase their immunity and maintain mental balance.

The Government of India has also launched yoga initiatives on digital platforms, so that people can practice yoga at their homes.

Measures to promote yoga

1. Incorporating yoga in the education system: Making yoga compulsory in schools and colleges.

2. Appointment of trained yoga teachers: Qualified instructors are needed to spread yoga in a scientific way.

3. Mass events on Yoga Day: Organizing yoga camps at the local level in parks, schools, panchayat bhawans, etc.

4. Use of digital media: Wide publicity through online yoga classes and webinars.

5. Yoga at workplaces: Making yoga a part of the daily routine in offices and institutions.

Our role

Yoga should be made a part of daily life, not just a one-day celebration. Every citizen should keep themselves healthy by practicing yoga and also inspire others.

  • Practice yoga for at least 30 minutes every day.
  • Teach yoga to children and elders as well.
  • Spread information about yoga through social media.

Final Thoughts

Yoga is not only the identity of India, but it has now become a symbol of global health, harmony and balance. International Yoga Day reminds us that health does not come only from medicine, but from balance in lifestyle.

Today, when the whole world is suffering from mental and physical illness, yoga is emerging as a ray of light. Let us all adopt yoga in our lives and move towards a healthy, balanced and peaceful society.

Resolution:
"Do yoga every day, keep body and mind healthy.
Adopt yoga, make life better."