- Friday, February 28, 2025
The momentous occasion comes nine years after the prime minister initially proposed the idea of commemorating International Yoga Day during his speech at the UN General Assembly.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN PRIME minister Narendra Modi is set to make history by leading a yoga session at the United Nations Headquarters on June 21, in celebration of the 9th International Day of Yoga. This annual event aims to raise global awareness about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga. In 2014, the United Nations officially designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing its universal appeal.
The Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations has cordially invited attendees to join the yoga session, which will be led by Modi. This momentous occasion comes nine years after the prime minister initially proposed the idea of commemorating International Yoga Day during his speech at the UN General Assembly. The session will take place on the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters from 8 am to 9 am, where a bust of Mahatma Gandhi was installed in December the previous year.
The historic yoga session is expected to attract high-level UN officials, ambassadors, delegates from Member States, and prominent members of the global and diaspora community. Guests and attendees are encouraged to wear Yoga-friendly attire, and yoga mats will be provided during the session, which participants are welcome to take home as souvenirs.
President of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, expressed his excitement about participating in the International Day of Yoga celebrations alongside Prime Minister Modi. The first International Day of Yoga was commemorated in 2015 and has since been marked with numerous sessions and events held at the UN, Times Square, and iconic locations worldwide.
The United Nations highlights that yoga is an ancient practice originating from India, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The word “yoga” derives from Sanskrit, meaning to join or unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today, yoga is practiced in various forms worldwide and continues to gain popularity.
The establishment of the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states through a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. Prime Minister Modi, during his address at the 69th session of the General Assembly, emphasized the holistic approach of yoga, which promotes unity of mind, body, thought, and action, benefiting overall health and well-being.
The World Health Organization has also urged member states to encourage their citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, including reducing physical inactivity, a leading cause of non-communicable diseases. Yoga’s contribution to promoting good health aligns with this objective.
The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States from June 21-24 has generated excitement and pride among the Indian diaspora. Michelin-star chef, Vikas Khanna, expressed his pride in India’s impact on the world and welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit. Khanna emphasized Modi’s role in strengthening the relationship between India and the United States and his support for the Indian community abroad.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will attend a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on June 22. He will also address the Joint Session of Congress and meet with diaspora leaders at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on June 23.
Overall, the commemoration of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations Headquarters and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States serve as significant milestones, highlighting the cultural, health, and diplomatic impact of yoga and India’s role on the global stage.
(With agency inputs)
