Less than three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of yoga, the United Nation General Assembly has reportedly adopted an India-led resolution declaring June 21 as ‘International Day of Yoga’ thus, in a way, recognizing that Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and the overall wellbeing. 175 nations have reportedly joined as co-sponsors for the resolution which incidentally is the highest number ever for any UN Assembly resolution. What’s more it is also for the first time that such an initiative has been implemented by any country in the UN body in less than 90 days. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Modi in his maiden address to the UN general assembly in September had made a passionate plea for observing an International Yoga Day, describing the ancient science as “India’s gift to the world”.
Incidentally Modi’s reference to Yoga came when he was talking about climate change and going back to basics. 50 nations including China and the US have reportedly backed Modi’s call for International Yoga Day. Yoga is not new to the people of other nations as it has been practiced by foreigners for several years. But now with the introduction of the International Yoga Day, the science of Yoga will go to several other nations who may not have heard of this ancient Indian gift to the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Yoga is not just about fitness or exercise, it is about changing one’s lifestyle. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had explained the benefits of Yoga to Obama over their White House dinner, which saw Modi sipping only warm water as he was fasting, as the US President expressed admiration for the Prime Minister’s “energy and vigour”.
Prime Minister Modi had also gifted a book on Yoga to his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott. Calling for a change in lifestyle and for creating consciousness, Modi in his UNGA speech said Yoga could even help deal with climate change. Yoga is not just an exercise, Yoga is the 5,000-year-old Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice that aims to transform body and mind. Indeed India has a lot to give to the world which include Ayurvedic and herbal medicine. Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi the world is taking note of ancient Indian science and medicine which can contribute to the change in the lifestyle of people living across the globe which has illness like diabetes and high blood pressure taking away lives as a result of improper lifestyle.
