International Day of Yoga 2023

Background:

India proposed the idea of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 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.
The first Yoga Day celebrations in 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi created two Guinness World Records. It was the world’s largest yoga session, with 35,985 people.
The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.
Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Linkage:

United States: The International Day of Yoga is celebrated across the United States, with various yoga organisations, studios, and communities hosting events and classes. Major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago organise large-scale yoga gatherings in parks, stadiums, and iconic landmarks.
United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, the International Day of Yoga is observed with a range of events and initiatives. Yoga enthusiasts, yoga schools, and community organisations organise outdoor yoga sessions in parks, gardens, and public squares. Some cities, including London and Manchester, host yoga festivals featuring workshops, talks, music, and holistic wellness activities.
China: Yoga has gained popularity in China, and the International Day of Yoga is celebrated in various cities across the country. Yoga studios, fitness centres, and yoga associations organise special events, workshops, and classes. Public yoga sessions are held in parks, community centres, and cultural venues, attracting both experienced practitioners and beginners.

Current Scenario:

The 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated on June 21st, with various events and initiatives taking place across the country.
This year’s IDY theme, “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which highlights India’s socio-cultural heritage and promotes unity.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) collaborated with the Ministry of Ayush to supply yoga mats exclusively made by tribal artisans.
Indian Navy and Merchant ships will organise yoga demonstrations at ports and vessels of friendly countries, fostering global participation.

Impact:

The Prime Minister announced the M-Yoga App, which will help in achieving ‘One World One Health’. The app is a work of collaboration between the WHO and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
This web portal provides all the updated and relevant information relating to the International Day of Yoga. It has a social wall where all the social media interactive platforms are available for the visitors to keep track of the discussions and participate in them.
The portal is also linked to important web pages such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, etc.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, after reviewing the categorisation of various Sports disciplines, recognised Yoga as a sports discipline and placed it in the ‘Priority’ category in September 2015.