INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

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Context: Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Karnataka organized the main event of 8th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2022 at Mysuru Palace, Mysuru.

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Prime Minister led the mass yoga demonstration at Mysuru Palace along with over 15,000 participants, which also included over 200 special physically challenged children, 100 orphaned child, 15 transgenders, HIV-positive people, and ASHA workers.
This year International Day of Yoga 2022 saw many new initiatives, the ‘Guardian Ring’program, which is collaborative exercise between 79 countries and United Nations organisations along with Indian Missions abroad to illustrate Yoga's unifying power that surpasses national boundaries.
Integrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with celebrations of 8th IDY, Mass Yoga demonstrations were organised at 75 iconic locationsacross the country under the leadership of 75 Union Ministers.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the Digital yoga exhibition, which is showcasing the latest technologies like Virtual Reality to project the history and wisdom of Yoga.

2022 Theme: Yoga for humanity

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented human tragedy.
Beyond its immediate impact on physical health, the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as pandemic-related restrictions were introduced in various forms in many countries.
This has highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects.
People around the world embraced yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression during the pandemic.
Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity for promoting sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth. In keeping with this spirit, the theme for this year’s Yoga Day celebrations is “Yoga for Humanity.”

What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?

· Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.

· The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

· Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

· Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

· The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.

· 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 Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th 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.”

· 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 Organization 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.

· But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1835781