The seventh edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) was observed across the world in solidarity, both through limited physical events, and at the homes of people where COVID restrictions continue to apply. IDY activities have also reached more than one lakh villages today.
Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi addressed the Nation on this occasion, emphasising the role of maintaining Health and well-being in our lives, especially as the world reels under COVID pandemic. He mentioned how Yoga has been a ray of hope during the pandemic across the world. Despite no large event being organised for IDY in the past two years, the fervour and enthusiasm the world has for Yoga has not reduced. Additionally, he highlighted the role that Yoga has played, and will play in the years to come in the adoption of a more holistic view of personal well-being, both physical and mental also enshrined in this year’s theme (#YogaforWellness).
The Prime Minister also launched the “mYoga” application, developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush in partnership with the World Health Organisation. The application will contain training and practice videos and audios based on Common Yoga Protocol which can be used by all—with the objective of promoting one world, one health.
Another noteworthy feature today was the observance of IDY in more than one lakh villages through Arogya Foundation of India and Common Service Centres. The Arogya Foundation had been training its volunteers in batches since May for IDY and today they accomplished the feat with the help of the wide network of EkalVidyalayas across the country.The IDY programme organised by Arogya Foundation through its Ekal Abhiyan reached to more than 18 thousand villages in UP and to more than 8 thousand villages each in MP, Himanchal Pradesh and Jharkhand. States like West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Bihar and Assam also witnessed this activity in more than 4 thousand villages today.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions in congregational activities, the lead event of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2021 was televised with the Prime Minister’s address being the highlight—as the Ministry of Ayush has made a consolidated effort in coordination with its stakeholders to enable the observance of this day digitally. The event also included an address by the Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Kiren Rijiju and a live Yoga demonstration by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
On this occasion, the Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Kiren Rijiju congratulated everyone on the observance of the 7th International Day of Yoga, and highlighted the gains it has made globally since its recognition in 2014. He mentioned how Yoga is not just seen as a practice native to India, but India’s gift to the world, which has been accepted as their own by everyone.
After the addresses, a live demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol was performed by the experts of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. The programme was televised on all the channels of Doordarshan.
Globally also, IDY is being observed in various countries, and several countries will have local events as the day progresses. Various Indian missions across the world have been sharing and highlighting IDY observances organised by them in the presence of eminent personalities. Some of the countries include Jamaica, Japan, Guatemala, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam.
In many countries the IDY activities have started well before June 21st and will continue till June 24. At Times Square in New York city, IDY was celebrated and the Indian Embassy in Washington also observed IDY the same day. Similarly, events were organised at Tokyo, Riyadh, Telaviv, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Indian Embassy premises. In all, around 190 countries are expected to observe IDY activities during this period.
Many Yoga Gurus and exponents also shared their insights during the live programme on Doordarshan. This includes Shri HR Nagendra, Shri Shri Ravishankar, SadguruJaggi Vasudeva, Swami ChidanandaSaraswati, Dr. Pranav Pandya, Maa Hansa Ji, Dr. DV Hegde, Sister Shivani, Swami Bharti Bhusan, Dr. OP Tiwari, Shri Kamlesh Patel and many others.
