International Yoga Day 2021

International Yoga Day 2021

Subject: Current Events

Context: The International Yoga Day 2021 will be held through a virtual meet and focus on the importance of Yoga in mental and physical well being. Also, its recognition to fight social depression and anxiety caused due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Concept:

International Yoga Day

• International Yoga Day was declared by the UN General Assembly on 11th December 2014. Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual discipline or practice that has its origins in India.
• The day of 21st June was suggested by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the UN because it is the longest day of the year.
• The day also has special relevance in several different parts of the globe. The draft resolution was introduced in the General Assembly by India’s Permanent Representative.
• The draft received support from 177 members and they adopted the text without a vote.
• Many international leaders supported this initiative.
• The resolution was co-sponsored by 175 countries, which is the highest number of co-sponsors for a UN General Assembly resolution of such a type.
• Indian diplomatic missions, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Prime Minister of India himself have ramped up their social media diplomacy on yoga. Yoga is seen as one of the best examples of soft power.
• This year, the theme for International Yoga Day is “Yoga for well-being” and focuses on the importance of Yoga not just for physical well being but also for mental health.