In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed at the 69th UN General Assembly to make a day for Yoga to spread awareness about it worldwide. Modi 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 well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world & the nature.” Every member got agreed to this proposal. 177 members passed the resolution. This was the first time in Indian history that our country represented Yoga on an International platform. PM Modi suggested this date, 21st June, as it is marked as the longest day in the northern hemisphere that holds a special significance in many countries. This year we will be celebrating the 8th annual International Yoga day. The theme of this Yoga day is – ‘Yoga for Humanity’.
It’s a big responsibility on India’s shoulders to teach and preach to the whole world about Yoga. The meaning of this day is successful only when it reaches every nook and corner of the globe. India is playing a very proactive role in spreading awareness at the global level.
The impact of Covid-19 was severe. It affected the physical health and mental health of the human race. Many health problems arose during the pandemic, like depression, anxiety, and stress. The effect of post-Covid-19 still exists, and there is a need to address these problems as soon as possible.
Yoga has embraced the whole world to stay healthy and fit even during pandemic times. Yoga played a pivotal role in healing many incurable diseases. During the pandemic time, Yoga helped the patients who were quarantined. Yoga emphasises values like – mindfulness, moderation, preserve & discipline. Yoga is the key to sustainable living.
According to the stories of Yoga, Shiv was the first to share knowledge about Yoga with his seven disciples. It is believed that on the first full moon day after the summer solstice, these seven sages were given the teachings of Yoga, and this day is known as Shiv’s incarnation. This time is also known as Dakshinayan. It is also said that if we do any spiritual practice, nature provides support or cooperation to achieve spiritual goals.
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that combines body and mind, symbolising reaching higher consciousness through inner consciousness. Yoga is the alignment of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. In Indian history, the evidence of Yoga can be found in Indus Valley Civilisation. It became popular after being documented in detail by Hindu priests practising Yoga. Yoga is the utmost important part of everyone’s life. Though it is an ancient cultural practice, its importance in this modern stressful life plays a significant role as today’s life is more mechanised. In India, Yoga is practised as a way of life rather than any exercise. There are 84 types of asanas in traditional Yoga, but this number could go up to 400 to 1000 types.
In the year 2021, PM Modi launched a worldwide yoga app in collaboration with WHO to teach beginners and who are already doing everything about Yoga & its health benefits in different languages. This app is an appropriate example of our motto – ‘One World, One Health’. WHO also plays a vital role in spreading awareness about Yoga through state members.
Yoga is not just physical exercise; mental health becomes stronger, and spirituality brings peace. WHO runs a campaign #healthathome for those who stay at home but also follow Yoga.
Benefits: Yoga transforms our life in a very different way, either physically, mentally, or spiritually. Practising yoga in a daily routine frees a man from any disease. Yoga is not only being done to reduce weight but to ensure overall health is maintained. Yoga improves sleep, strengthens muscles and bones, protects from injury, and increases stamina. There are countless yoga poses for each body part, internal and external, enhancing them and making the body fit and active.
Culture is the recognition of the success of any country. It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to preserve their own culture. To enrich the culture, there is a need to promote and be aware of other societies to know about it and take experience from it. It should not be limited within the community but propagated to others too. Similarly, Yoga is Indian philosophy, and there is a need to reach everywhere in the world.
The members of the Nationally acclaimed NGO – The Help box Foundation are playing an active role in spreading awareness about health-related subjects like nutrition, diet, exercises, Yoga, meditation, mental health, spiritual health etc., to people either online or offline. The members are stepping out to make us aware of the importance of Yoga in our life in this present time. The members held campaigns about Yoga to involve people of each age.
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