21 June: International Day of Yoga
The International Day of Yoga was on 21 June 2016 observed across the world with the theme Connect the Youth. This year’s observance of the Day highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015 by all 193 UN Member States.
In India, the Union Government organised the event titled The National Event of Mass Yoga Demonstration at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh where Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself performed yoga.
Background
• The idea to celebrate 21 June as the International Day of Yoga was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 September 2014 during his address to the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
• Following this, the UNGA on 11 December 2014 adopted the resolution to commemorate 21 June as the International Day of Yoga every year.
• This resolution was adopted under the Global Health and Foreign Policy by the General Assembly in order to provide a holistic approach to the people worldwide for their health and well-being.
• More than 177 countries including USA, Canada, China and Egypt supported this move including 175 nations co-sponsoring the resolution.
About Yoga
• Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world.
• It finds mention in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the author of the grammatical Mahabhasya.
• The word yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
• Yoga balances body and soul, physical health and mental well-being.
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