Indian missions around the world are gearing up for the International Day of Yoga with a plethora of activities
With just 10 days left for the International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on everyone to make yoga an integral part of their lives. In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday (June 12, 2024), he highlighted the timeless practice that celebrates oneness and harmony, urging people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines to navigate life’s challenges with calm and fortitude. To inspire this commitment, PM Modi shared a set of AI-generated videos demonstrating various asanas and explaining their benefits.
 
The 10th International Day of Yoga, which is observed annually on June 21, symbolises the harmony of mind and body, balancing thought and action, and uniting restraint with fulfilment. This transformative practice, which integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offers a holistic approach to health and well-being, providing peace in our hectic lives.
 
Recognising its universal appeal, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. Since then, millions of people worldwide have united through yoga, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
 
This year's official celebrations, being organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, will take place at the North Lawn Area of the UN Headquarters in New York. The theme for this year is “Yoga for Women Empowerment.” The event will welcome delegates from UN Member States, UN officials, staff, and notable individuals from various fields. The goal is to transform yoga into a widespread movement emphasizing women’s well-being and promoting global health and peace.
 
Indian missions around the world are gearing up for the International Day of Yoga with a plethora of activities. They are playing a crucial role in spreading the message of yoga and its numerous benefits. Embassies and consulates are organising yoga sessions, workshops, and discussions to raise awareness about the holistic advantages of yoga. These events will not only highlight the physical benefits of yoga but also emphasize its mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
 
In Washington D.C., the Indian Embassy is collaborating with local yoga studios to host a day-long yoga festival, featuring guided sessions by renowned yoga instructors, mindfulness workshops, and interactive discussions on integrating yoga into daily life. The festival aims to bring together people from all walks of life to experience the transformative power of yoga.
 
In London, the Indian High Commission is organizing a series of yoga sessions at iconic locations such as Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park. These sessions will be open to the public and led by experienced yoga practitioners. The High Commission is also partnering with local schools and community centres to introduce yoga to children and seniors, promoting a healthy lifestyle from a young age and encouraging active aging.
 
Similarly, the Indian Consulate in Sydney is hosting a grand yoga event at the Sydney Opera House, featuring mass yoga demonstrations, cultural performances, and wellness talks. The event is expected to attract a large number of participants, showcasing the unity and harmony that yoga fosters.
 
In Dubai, the Indian Consulate is organizing a yoga marathon at the Burj Khalifa Park, inviting residents and tourists to participate in a day of yoga and wellness activities. The event will include sessions on different yoga styles, meditation workshops, and discussions on the benefits of yoga for mental health.
 
Back in India, the Ministry of AYUSH is leading the preparations for the national celebrations. Various activities, including mass yoga demonstrations, online yoga challenges, and educational programs on the benefits of yoga, are being organized to encourage widespread participation. Schools, colleges, and universities are actively involved in these preparations, promoting yoga as a means to enhance physical and mental well-being.
 
Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on making yoga an integral part of our lives resonates with the core philosophy of yoga. As he stated, “Yoga offers a sanctuary of calm, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with calm and fortitude.” This message is being echoed by Indian missions worldwide, as they prepare to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm and dedication.
 
The theme “Yoga for Women Empowerment” highlights the role of yoga in enhancing women’s health and well-being. This year’s celebrations aim to spotlight the positive impact of yoga on women’s lives, from stress management and mental health to physical fitness and overall well-being.
 
As the world prepares to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga, the global activities organized by Indian missions reflect the universal appeal of yoga and its power to unite people across cultures. The holistic benefits of yoga, combined with the dedicated efforts of Indian missions, ensure that this year’s celebrations will be a significant milestone in promoting global health, peace, and harmony through the practice of yoga.