Page 207 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

5.5 IDY-International Day of Yoga:

a) Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice which is deeply
ingrained in the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage, making India a

significant destination for yoga enthusiasts and seekers of spiritual knowledge

from around the world. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means
to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.
b) Recognising its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations

proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

c) International Day of Yoga is an event of global recognition which serves as
a platform to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and brings people
together to practise and celebrate this ancient tradition.

d) The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed

by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was
first introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his address during
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the opening of the 69 session of the General Assembly, in which he 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.”

e) The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making

healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In
this regard, the World Health Organisation has also urged its member states
to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten

leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable

diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
f) The first IDY-2015 witnessed branding of India on global level. Two Guinness
Book records were set in IDY-2015, maximum numbers of people (35,985)

as participants in Yoga Demonstration and maximum number of Nationalities

(84) participating in Yoga Demonstration.
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g) The theme for this year, the 9 edition of IDY was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam” which highlights the concept of unity and interconnectedness

in yoga philosophy. It emphasises the idea that we are all part of a global

community and encourages a sense of unity, respect, and compassion for all
living beings.
India

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