International Day of Yoga: India's Prescription for a Healthier, Stress-Free World

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

- SUDHI RANJAN MISHRA

Yoga, an ancient Indian discipline, has become a global phenomenon-one that seamlessly blends physical fitness, mental peace, and spiritual grounding.

Derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to join" or "to unite," yoga signifies the union of body and mind, thought and action, human and nature. It offers a holistic approach to health and well-being that is increasingly resonating across the globe.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, June 21 was officially declared the International Day of Yoga (IDY) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014. The decision, endorsed by a record 175 member states, recognised yoga’s power to foster balance in life. As PM Modi articulated during his address to the UN, “Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.”

The International Day of Yoga 2025 marks the 11th year of this global celebration. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects an inclusive vision that emphasises harmony with the planet and the self—an especially poignant message as humanity navigates pressing environmental and health challenges.

The date, June 21, was chosen with care. It marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, and symbolises light, vitality, and the connection between nature and humanity. Many cultures recognise this day for its spiritual significance, making it ideal to reflect yoga’s deeper purpose.

Yoga’s history spans thousands of years. While its roots are deeply embedded in ancient Indian thought, it was Maharishi Patanjali who codified yoga into a systematic practice through the Yoga Sutras. This foundational text outlined Ashtanga Yoga, or the eight limbs of yoga, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment through ethical conduct, physical postures, breath control, and meditation.