• International Yoga Day 2023: History, significance and theme

    International
    International Yoga Day 2023: History, significance and theme
    Yoga is a practice that incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It not only relieves tension, worry, and depression, but it also increases flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.

    Digital Desk: The term "Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root
    yuj, which means "to join", "to yoke", or "to
    unite", and represents the unification of mind and body, thought and
    action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, and a
    comprehensive approach to health and well-being. It is a priceless gift of old
    Indian tradition that has evolved as one of the most reliable ways to improve
    physical and mental health.

    Swami Vivekananda spoke at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago,
    America, in 1893, introducing yoga to the Western world. Following that,
    numerous eastern gurus and yogis promoted yoga over the world, and people began
    to accept it. 

    Prime
    Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 9th International Day of Yoga session on
    June 21 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 8:00-9:00 a.m.
    EST.
       

    Theme
    for International Yoga Day 2023

    "Yoga
    for Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam" is the theme for International Yoga Day 2023,
    and it expresses our shared vision for "One Earth, One Family, One
    Future."

    Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#212121">History of
    International Yoga Day

    Yoga dates back
    thousands of years to ancient India, where it developed as a spiritual and
    physical discipline.

     
    During
    his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014,
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended observing the International Day of
    Yoga. "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition," the prime
    minister stated during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly. Yoga
    represents the union of mind and body, thinking and action... a holistic
    approach [that] is beneficial to our health and well-being. Yoga is more than
    simply exercise; it is a method to reconnect with yourself, the world, and
    nature."

     
    Because to his tireless efforts, the United
    Nations General Assembly declared 21 June to be the International Day of Yoga
    on December 11, 2014. The UNGA stated in its resolution that "Yoga
    provides a holistic approach to health and well-being in addition to striking a
    balance between all aspects of life." The broader transmission of
    information about the benefits of practise Yoga will be good to the global
    population's health."

     
    International
    Yoga Day 2023: Significance

    Yoga
    has grown in popularity around the world, with millions of people using it to
    improve their general well-being and health in a holistic way.

    Centuries
    ago, when underlining the speciality of Yoga, one of the most prominent
    Sanskrit poets, Bhartrhari, said:

    धैर्यं यस्य पिता क्षमा  जननी शान्तिश्चिरं गेहिनी
    सत्यं सूनुरयं दया  भगिनी भ्राता मनः संयमः।
    शय्या भूमितलं दिशोSपि वसनं ज्ञानामृतं भोजनं
    एते यस्य कुटिम्बिनः वद सखे कस्माद् भयं योगिनः।।

    Meaning
    that by exercising Yoga on a regular basis, a person can imbibe certain
    extremely beneficial attributes such as courage, which defends like a father,
    forgiveness, which is held by a mother, and mental serenity, which becomes a
    permanent companion. Through daily Yoga exercise, truth becomes our kid, mercy
    becomes our sister, self-control becomes our brother, the earth becomes our
    bed, and knowledge satisfies our desire.

    Yoga
    is a practice that incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises, and
    meditation. It not only relieves tension, worry, and depression, but it also
    increases flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.

    According to recent research, practising yoga on a regular basis
    can help improve lung function, reduce asthma symptoms, and even enhance the quality
    of life for those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
    Pranayama, or breathing exercises, can help enhance lung capacity, oxygenation,
    and stress reduction, all of which can aid respiratory health.

    The
    World Health Organisation (WHO) has also asked its member countries to assist
    their citizens in reducing physical inactivity, which is one of the top ten
    main causes of mortality worldwide and a major risk factor for noncommunicable
    diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.