Prime Minister Modi to lead yoga session at UN Headquarters on International Day of Yoga on June 21
PM Modi will lead a yoga session at the UN Headquarters on June 21 for International Day of Yoga, which he proposed to establish as an annual celebration in 2014. The session is expected to draw attendees including top UN officials, ambassadors, envoys, and delegates from member states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the lead for the first time in a yoga session at the United Nations Headquarters on June 21, marking the 9th International Day of Yoga.
The International Day of Yoga, established by the United Nations in December 2014, aims to raise global awareness about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga. The universal appeal of this ancient practice has been recognized, making June 21 a special day to promote the significance of yoga worldwide, following PM Modi's proposal nine years ago to establish International Yoga Day as an annual celebration.
In an official advisory for the event, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations extended a cordial invitation to join the yoga session led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Where will the event take place?
The session, will take place on June 21st from 8 am to 9 am, will be held on the North Lawn in the UN Headquarters, where a bust of Mahatma Gandhi is installed which was a gift from India to the UN.
A gathering of diverse participants
The historic yoga session is expected to draw esteemed attendees, including top UN officials, ambassadors, envoys, delegates from Member States, and prominent members of the global and diaspora community. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Yoga-friendly attire, and yoga mats will be provided during the session, with the option for guests to take them home as a memento of this historic gathering.
President Csaba Korosi of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in a tweet on Thursday expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UNHQ North Lawn.
International Day of Yoga: A journey of unity and awareness
The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 2015 and has since become an annual tradition celebrated worldwide. The United Nations acknowledges yoga as an ancient practice originating in India that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
The word 'yoga,' derived from Sanskrit, signifies the union of body and consciousness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals and their surroundings. Today, yoga has transcended borders, gaining popularity in various forms across the globe and serving as a means to achieve balance, self-awareness, and overall well-being.
Global endorsement and health benefits
The establishment of the International Day of Yoga was made possible through a resolution proposed by India and endorsed by an unprecedented 175 member states.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address during the 69th session of the General Assembly, highlighted the holistic nature of yoga, stressing its role in promoting unity and fostering good health.
The World Health Organization has also emphasized the significance of physical activity in combating non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular ailments, cancer, and diabetes. Yoga, with its ability to reduce physical inactivity and enhance well-being, aligns perfectly with the global call for healthier lifestyle choices.
Renowned Michelin-star chef, author, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Vikas Khanna expressed his deep pride in India's global influence across various domains. In a tweet extending a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi, who was embarking on his first Official State Visit to the United States, Khanna underscored the significant impact of India in areas such as yoga, cuisine, technology, education, science, arts, and entertainment.
As an Indian residing in America for nearly 25 years, Khanna expressed his profound honor for Prime Minister Modi's visit, highlighting his role as a bridge between the two greatest democracies in the world.With great anticipation, Khanna looked forward to the visit, eagerly aiming to showcase India's rich heritage and achievements to the world in all its grandeur
PM Narendra Modi will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a state dinner at the White House, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release. During his visit, PM Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress on June 22.
In the US, PM Modi will also address the chairman and CEOs of top US companies at John F Kennedy Centre in at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on June 23.
(With inputs from PTI)