Every year on June 21, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the countless benefits of practicing yoga and encouraging a healthier lifestyle. This global event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of both physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the role yoga plays in achieving this balance.
International Yoga Day is marked by various events, workshops, and yoga sessions across the globe. These activities aim to promote yoga as a means to enhance physical fitness, alleviate stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of peace and unity among individuals. Over the years, the International Day of Yoga has seen enthusiastic participation worldwide, evolving into a significant platform for advocating the practice of yoga, highlighting its benefits, and fostering a sense of unity and well-being that transcends borders and cultures.
In his address on International Yoga Day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted yoga’s global significance, describing it as an agent of global good. Despite the rainy weather moving the celebration indoors, PM Modi participated in a 30-minute yoga session, reinforcing this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” which underscores yoga’s crucial role in promoting individual well-being and social harmony.
Throughout the years, PM Modi has led Yoga Day celebrations at various iconic locations, including Delhi’s Kartavya Path, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, and Jabalpur. Last year, he led the events at the UN Headquarters in New York, bringing additional attention to this year’s program in Srinagar.
President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings to the global community, particularly the citizens of India, on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2024. She emphasized that yoga is India’s unique gift to humanity, especially pertinent in addressing today’s lifestyle-related issues. “Yoga is a way to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” she stated, encouraging everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily lives.
The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps also joined in the celebrations, conducting yoga sessions across their stations in North Bengal and Sikkim, including border areas situated above 15,000 feet. This widespread participation highlights the universal appeal and adaptability of yoga, even in the most challenging environments.
Prime Minister Modi further elaborated on yoga’s role in the modern world, noting its ability to help individuals live in the present moment and connect with their innermost feelings. He emphasized that yoga is not just a practice but a science that addresses the human mind’s struggle to focus in today’s fast-paced world.
Additionally, PM Modi spoke about the burgeoning interest in yoga globally, with tourists flocking to India to learn authentic yoga, thereby boosting yoga tourism. He highlighted the increasing number of people practicing yoga worldwide and the significant research being conducted by leading institutions on its benefits.
Conclusion
The International Yoga Day 2024 stands as a testament to the growing global recognition of yoga’s profound benefits. From enhancing physical fitness and mental health to fostering a sense of unity and peace, yoga continues to be a transformative practice embraced by millions worldwide. As we celebrate this day, let us resolve to make yoga an integral part of our daily lives, embracing its principles to achieve holistic well-being and contribute to a more harmonious society.
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