It was a moment of pride for all Indians when the United Nations passed a resolution in 2014 to celebrate 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. A record number of 175 nations supported the resolution in UN. It was a big diplomatic win for the Government of India and showed the world its soft-power.
Yoga essentially means union. The union of body, mind and soul with the supreme. Therefore, Yoga does not bring any religious strings attached. It is an ancient Hindu practice and a perfect gift to the world for everyone’s physical, mental and spiritual growth. In the recent past, there have been stories coming from the Arab World https://zeenews.india.com/world/saudi-arabia-approves-practice-of-yoga-2056936.html and even Pakistan where Yoga is gaining popularity https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/08/opinion/yoga-pakistan-india.html
The world would be celebrating the 7th International Day of Yoga on 21st June 2021 with fervor and enthusiasm. Although most nations are still struggling with COVID-19, the spirits are high for the upcoming events. The relevance of Yoga as a means to boost immunity and health has increased manyfold during this crisis.
Locally, the Consulate General of India has come-up with multiple Yoga sessions in collaboration with organizations such as Isha Foundation, Art of Living and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, etc. which could be accessed online. Please refer to the link for schedule – https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/schedule-of-yoga-sessions/
Yoga cannot and shall not be a one-day or one-month event. For one’s own well-being, it must be practiced each day. Om.
