Yoga: Timeless Gift of India to the World

Among the myriad contributions that Indian civilization has offered to the world, the system of yoga stands out as one of the most profound, enduring, and transformative. Rooted in ancient wisdom, yoga is far more than aseries of physical postures-it isa holistic science of the body, mind, and spirit.

- PROF SHYAM NARAYAN LAL

Despite being marginalized and misrepresented during colonial rule, yoga endured, quietly passed down through generations, preserving its essence until the world was ready to rediscover it.

A turning point in yoga’s global recognition came on September 27, 2014, when India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, he described yoga as an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition-one that embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, and harmony between humans and nature.

His compelling vision resonated globally, culminating in a historic moment: the adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day through a unanimous UN resolution co-sponsored by 177 nations. The selection of June 21-the summer solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemispherewas symbolic, representing renewal, balance, and the cyclical nature of life, all of which are central to the philosophy of yoga.

This moment was more than a diplomatic achievement-it was a profound act of reclaiming and honouring India’s rich civilizational legacy. It signalled a global recognition of yoga not merely asa physical or wellness practice, butasa living expression of India’s ancient knowledge systems. At its heart, yoga stands as a testament to the intellectual and spiritual depth of Indian thought, which has long viewed the human being as an interconnected whole-body, mind, and spirit not as isolated parts.

The world’s growing appreciation for yoga reflects something even deeper: a renewed interest in the broader wisdom of Indian epistemologies-systems of knowledge. What is important is that it sets in motion the vital process of decolonizing our past, restoring dignity to indigenous thought systems, and reaffirming their relevance in shaping a more conscious and compassionate future.