International Day of Yoga 2023

International Day of Yoga 2023

News: The 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated on June 21st with the Theme Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Background:
• The idea of International Day of Yoga (IDY) was proposed by India during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held in 2014.
• The UN proclaimed 21st June as IDY by passing a resolution in December 2014.

What is Yoga?
• Yoga is a modern form of physical fitness that consists largely of asanas (postures) that are designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Yoga also helps with stress relief, mental health, and sleep quality.

What are the benefits of Yoga in different domains?
• Spiritual - Yoga can help you connect with your inner self, your higher power, or the divine, depending on your beliefs.
• Health - Yoga can improve your physical and mental health by enhancing your flexibility, strength, balance, breathing, heart health, immunity, pain management, sleep quality, and mood. Yoga can also reduce your stress, inflammation, depression, anxiety, and chronic diseases.
• Social - Yoga can help you build positive relationships with others by increasing your empathy, communication, and trust. Yoga can also create a sense of community and belonging among practitioners who share similar values and goals.
• Economic - Yoga can enhance your productivity, creativity, and performance at work by improving your focus, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Yoga can also save you money by reducing your health care costs and increasing your well-being.

How is India using Yoga to highlight its soft power and diplomacy?
• Through Yoga, India showcases its ancient wisdom, diversity and innovation.
• Promoting yoga as a universal practice that can foster peace, harmony, and well-being among people of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.
• Engaging with foreign leaders, diplomats, and institutions through yoga sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and exchanges.
• Supporting and collaborating with yoga practitioners, teachers, organizations, and enthusiasts around the world to spread the awareness and benefits of yoga.

What are some of initiatives taken by the government to promote Yoga?
• Launch of M-Yoga app by PM Modi.
• Yoga was recognized as Sports discipline and Yoga is also part of Fit India movement.
• Several Yoga instructors and students have been trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
• The Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) has vocational education courses in Yoga for CBSE schools.
Source – Indian Express, hopkinsmedicine.org