NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history by leading a yoga session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 21, the 9th International Day of Yoga. This annual event, recognized by the United Nations since 2014, aims to promote the benefits of practicing yoga worldwide.
The yoga session, scheduled to take place from 8:00 am to 9:00 am on June 21, will be held at the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters. This location is significant as it is where a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by India to the UN, was installed in December last year during India's Presidency of the UN Security Council.
The event is expected to be attended by top UN officials, ambassadors, envoys, delegates from member states, and prominent members of the global and diaspora community. Guests and attendees are encouraged to wear yoga-friendly attire, and yoga mats will be provided during the session.
The International Day of Yoga was first celebrated in 2015 and has since been marked by various sessions and events at the UN, Times Square, and other iconic locations around the world. Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, is now practiced in different forms worldwide and continues to gain popularity.
The establishment of the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. Prime Minister Modi introduced the proposal during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, emphasizing the holistic approach of yoga and its benefits for physical and mental well-being.
The United Nations has recognized the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that promote good health. Physical inactivity, one of the leading causes of death globally, is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization has urged its member states to help reduce physical inactivity among their citizens.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States from June 21-24 is at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The visit includes a state dinner hosted by the Bidens on June 22, an address to the Joint Session of Congress on June 22, and a gathering of diaspora leaders in Washington on June 23.
The Prime Minister's visit has generated enthusiasm and pride among the Indian diaspora, with many expressing their excitement and appreciation for his role in strengthening ties between India and the United States. The visit is seen as an opportunity to showcase India's achievements and culture on the global stage.
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