What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
न केवलं वेदान्तादिविषयेषु अपि तु योग-आयुर्वेद-शस्त्र-चिकित्सा-गणित-खगोलादिषु नैकेषु शास्त्रेषु नूतनान् आविष्कारान् दर्शितवत् भारतं विश्वगुरुरिति मन्यते । योगः, योगशास्त्रं च विश्वकल्याणाय भारतेन कृतं योगदानमित्यत्र नास्ति अतिशयोक्तिः । मङ्गलवासरे विश्वयोगदिनमिति सर्वत्र आचर्यते ।
Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. The proposal was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, in which he said:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”
The resolution notes
“the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.
“Yoga for Humanity” is the theme for International Day Of Yoga 2022. The day, observed on June 21, focuses on the importance of yoga in our lives. A number of events are organized around the world to mark the day. Around 25 crore people across the world are expected to take part in various events, doing yoga in unison towards better health and wellness for all.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his Yoga message for 2022, said that this year’s theme reminds everyone “how yoga is truly universal.” On how yoga has helped people during the COVID-19 pandemic, he added, “For hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yoga has also been an essential lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an important means of coping with the challenges of social isolation and stress.”
The United Nations said, “People around the world embraced yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression during the pandemic. 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.”
#HealthyAtHome – Physical activity
The COVID-19 pandemic means that many of us are staying at home and sitting down more than we usually do. It’s hard for a lot of us to do the sort of exercise we normally do. It’s even harder for people who don’t usually do a lot of physical exercise. But at a time like this, it’s very important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible. WHO’s Be Active campaign aims to help you do just that – and to have some fun at the same time.
WHO launches mobile application for Yoga
Today, WHO in collaboration with the Government of India, is launching WHO mYoga – a yoga app to help people stay active and healthy. The app is safe and secure, and does not collect any data from users. It is available for free download on Android devices, and Apple devices.
The app contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and accompany yoga practice, and is an easy-to-use and free tool for both people who are trying yoga for the first time or those who already practice yoga regularly. No special equipment is needed, and users can learn or practice for between 3 to 45 minutes, so even busy people can use it to get active.
The app was developed by BeHe@lthy BeMobile, a joint initiative between the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunications Union Input from experts around the world was organized by the WHO Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine unit and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (the WHO collaborating center for traditional medicine). WHO mYoga was created in response to the global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023, which aims to strengthen the quality, safety, and effectiveness of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.
As highlighted in WHO’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030, the routine practice of yoga – a 5000-year-old tradition – is a valuable tool for people of all ages to make physical activity an integral part of life and reach the level needed to promote good health. Adults require at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity.
Regular physical activity is a well-established protective factor for the prevention and treatment of many noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors, such as hypertension, overweight and obesity. Physical activity is associated with improved mental health, prevention and delay of dementia and improved quality of life and well-being.
Conclusion :
We all should feel very proud of our ancestor who brought a way of healthy life style by Yoga and surely Prime minister Narendra Modi who got this as international day throughout world approved by 175 nations