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Recently, the Prime Minister of India, while addressing a programme to mark the 7th International Day of Yoga (IDY), has termed yoga a “ray of hope” and a source of strength amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
About International Day of Yoga
- Background
- The idea for an UN-mandated IDY was first proposed by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.
- He highlighted yoga as an invaluable gift from Indian ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action and is a holistic approach that is valuable to our health and our well-being.
- It is not just about exercise but it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with oneself, the world and nature.
- This initiative was backed by as many as 177 nations, the highest number of cosponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.
- The UN proclaimed 21st June as IDY by passing a resolution on 11th December 2014, during the 69th session of the General Assembly.
- 21st June was chosen as it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, which holds special significance in many parts of the world.
- The idea for an UN-mandated IDY was first proposed by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014.
- Theme for 2021: Yoga for Well-being.
- It is relevant for current times where society is still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Beyond its immediate impact on physical health, the Covid-19 pandemic has also exacerbated psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as pandemic-related restrictions continue in various forms in many countries.
- This has highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects.
- As it is an event of a global scale, preparations for the IDY event usually begin 3-4 months prior, ultimately culminating in a grand programme where millions of people come together to observe the spiritual history and significance of the day.
- Logo: The brown leaves in the logo symbolize the earth element, the green leaves of nature, blue the fire element while the sun symbolises the source of energy and inspiration.
(Image Courtesy: UN)
About Yoga
- It is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.
- The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
- Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
- A growing trend of people around the world are embracing yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression.
- Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of Covid-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety.
Yoga Related Initiatives by Indian Government
- M-Yoga Application
- It was launched in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- The app will have videos of yoga training based on a Common Yoga Protocol and will be available in different languages. It will help the government in making the ‘One World, One Health’ motto successful.
- Common Yoga Protocol
- In its ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ from 2019, the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) lists Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi, Bandhas and Mudras, Satkarmas, Yuktahara, Mantra-japa, Yukta-karma among popular yoga ‘sadhanas’.
- Educational Yoga Courses
- The Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) has vocational education courses in Yoga for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools.
- B&WSSC is a non-profit organisation that works under the National Skill Development Corporation, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- The Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) has vocational education courses in Yoga for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools.
- Yoga Training
- Candidates in lakhs have been trained as yoga instructors and trainers through various skilling initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship scheme of the MSDE.
- Fit India Movement
- Yoga is also a part of the Fit India Movement, a nation-wide campaign encouraging people to include physical activities and sports in their everyday lives.
- Special Cancellation Stamp
- India Post will issue a special cancellation stamp on all mail booked on 21st June to capture the essence of the Day.
- A cancellation is defined as a postal marking used to deface a stamp to prevent its reuse. Such cancellations are valued collectibles and often subjects of philatelic studies.
- The special pictorial cancellation stamp will be an inked marking or impression with a graphical design with IDY 2021 written in both Hindi and English languages.
- India Post will issue a special cancellation stamp on all mail booked on 21st June to capture the essence of the Day.
Summer Solstice
Winter Solstice
Equinoxes
(Image Courtesy: NWS) |
Source: TH
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