A spiritual discipline, based on a very profound science, Yoga focuses on the harmony between the mind and body. Derived from the word ‘Yuj’, it has been in practice since the dawn of civilisation. Though having found its roots in the Indus-Saraswati civilisation, Yoga today is practiced across the globe. This ancient Indian science was popularised in the west by Swami Vivekanand and has grown popular over the years.
In 2014, in the UN general assembly, Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi proposed to observe 21 June as the International Yoga Day all over the world, and ever since it has inspired people across the globe to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has played a significant role in promoting Yoga and its various initiatives in this direction have given a much-need fillip to the practice and have helped increase its popularity across the world.
Keeping in mind Yoga’s significant contribution towards humanity in assuaging the suffering during the pandemic, the theme for the 8th International Day of Yoga is ‘Yoga for Humanity’. The theme highlights the importance of bringing people together through benevolence and kindness, while encouraging a sense of unity and building resilience.
With last year’s theme being “Yoga for Wellness”, it seems most apt that the International Yoga Day 2022 stresses on “Yoga for Humanity.” This year’s demonstrations were held at Mysuru, Karnataka on the 21st of June 2022.
Yoga for humanity, as a concept, entails the need and aim to bring together Yoga, mindfulness and sustainability, all in order to ensure personal, social and environmental well-being. Focussing on specially abled people, transgender population, women and children, this year’s celebration witnessed a huge participation from villages/gram panchayats.
Amongst the many practices in this year’s celebrations, one was the “Guardian Ring”, which showcased the movement of the sun. People performing Yoga across the world were in complete sync with the movement of the sun, beginning from east and marching towards west, like a wonderful relay Yoga streaming programme.
As the nation is also celebrating its 75th year of independence under the theme of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, 75 national level iconic sites were demonstrated at the mass common yoga protocol demonstration, while the respective states organized similar programmes at 75 important locations.
The 8th edition of International Yoga Day was promoted through multiple programmes by the Ministry of Ayush, in association with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. Marking the beginning of the 100 days countdown event, a curtain raiser event was celebrated on 13th March, 2022. 100 days, 100 cities and 100 organisations across the globe marked the countdown for this event. A 75-day countdown event was organized at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The 50 days countdown was celebrated at Sivasagar, Assam and 25 days countdown was celebrated in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Yoga day is about inculcating and integrating the art of Yoga in our everyday lives. It maintains physical fitness, reduces stress, improves control on emotions and feelings, controls negative thoughts, creates a feeling of general well-being, improves mental clarity, enhances self-understanding, connects to nature, and the list is endless.
CII has been organizing International Yoga Day celebrations for thousands of industry representatives, including CEOs, employees and family members, with an aim to holistically improve the minds and bodies of the participants.
The pandemic has brought about a permanent change in the way we live our lives. Across the globe, Yoga is recognised as an effective way to improve our holistic health and well-being, which in turn is pivotal in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Yoga has gained immense popularity and can easily be considered one of India’s soft powers.