International Yoga Day 2021: Significance, history and theme
Globally, yoga has gained tremendous popularity over the last few decades as an effective mind-body technique. The word yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means ‘to unite’. In order to promote the practice of yoga and raise mass awareness about it, the United Nations declared June 21, the longest day of the year, as International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014. The day follows a specific theme every year to spread awareness about and the theme of International Yoga Day 2021 is “Yoga for well-being”. The themes that have been observed through the years on this day are as follows:
- 2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
- 2016: Connect the Youth
- 2017: Yoga for Health
- 2018: Yoga for Peace
- 2019: Climate Action
- 2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family
- 2021: Yoga for Well-Being
Yoga is all the more relevant to the pandemic times where COVID-19 has adverse effects not only on physical fitness but more importantly on the mental health of people of all ages. The United Nations issued a statement explaining their choice of theme this year where this world body stated, “A growing trend of people around the world embracing Yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression has been witnessed during the pandemic. Yoga is also playing a significant role in the psycho-social care and rehabilitation of Covid-19 patients in quarantine and isolation. It is particularly helpful in allaying their fears and anxiety.”
How International Yoga Day came about
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27th, 2014. In this speech he brought up the idea of dedicating a day in the year to the benefits of incorporating yoga in people’s everyday life. He stated, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in wellbeing. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
This proposal sparked the committee to create a draft resolution which saw enormous support. It gained the vote of 175 states which was a record of sorts and once the UN resolution was adopted, June 21st 2015 became the very first observed InternationalYoga day.
Why is Yoga Day celebrated?
Yoga is not just an alternative to a gym workout but a way of life. Its health benefits are backed by scientific studies which include increased flexibility, better blood circulation in the body, building muscle strength, improved balance and body posture. It also has anti-ageing effects and can help reverse pre-mature ageing. The list doesn’t end here: Yoga can stimulate organs, improve lung function and immunity, build core strength and increase pain threshold, and lead to better gastrointestinal health.
This mind-body technique improves our mental well-being as well. Studies show that yoga can be an effective tool in managing generalised anxiety disorders through numerous breathing exercises, and meditative techniques. Many clinicians have even embraced yoga as a complementary treatment to psychotherapy to help people cope with depression, anxiety and battling insomnia.
The International Yoga Day is celebrated to generate mass awareness about all these benefits and create a global community around it.