Patna:The theme for the International Day of Yoga 2024 is ‘Yoga for Self and Society,’ as announced by AYUSH State Minister Prataprao Jadhav. He emphasized that yoga not only aids in physical, mental, and spiritual development but also promotes social harmony. The influence of yoga has significantly grown globally in recent years. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent letters to village heads across the country, encouraging the promotion and participation of yoga at the grassroots level.
PM Modi’s Initiative Boosts Yoga
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a crucial role in promoting yoga on a global scale. Since 2015, he has led yoga day celebrations at the United Nations and various other venues, significantly boosting yoga’s global popularity and recognition. Following PM Modi’s proposal to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014, it was unanimously decided on December 11, 2014, to observe June 21 as the International Day of Yoga every year. This was a significant diplomatic victory for India and established yoga as an international healthcare practice.
Celebrating Yoga Since 2015
The journey began on June 21, 2015, with the theme ‘Yoga for Peace and Harmony,’ where approximately 35,985 people from 84 nations participated. Over the past decade, the International Day of Yoga has set four Guinness World Records. In 2015, 35,985 people performed yoga with Prime Minister Modi at Rajpath, with participants from 84 countries. This year, the main event will be held in Srinagar, where PM Modi will lead the celebrations once again.
AYUSH Ministry and ISRO’s Unique Initiative: Yoga for Space
For the 2024 International Day of Yoga, the AYUSH Ministry, in collaboration with ISRO, is organizing a unique initiative called ‘Yoga for Space.’ All ISRO scientists and officials will perform yoga together following the Common Yoga Protocol guidelines. The Gaganyaan mission team will also participate in the global yoga campaign. Additionally, to promote technology and startups in the field of yoga, the AYUSH Ministry has launched the ‘Yoga Tech Challenge’ on the Indian government’s MyGov portal. This competition aims to identify and promote startups or individuals who have developed yoga-related equipment, software, and accessory products.
