21 Jun International Day of Yoga 2025: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of International Day of Yoga 2025: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-1- Culture and History- International Day of Yoga 2025: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
FOR PRELIMS
What are the key reasons behind the growing popularity of yoga across the world?
FOR MAINS
What is the significance of the International Day of Yoga? Highlight key features of the 2025 celebrations.
Why in the News?
11th Anniversary and Global Scale: 2025 marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, celebrated annually on June 21. This milestone is notable for the scale and ambition of events worldwide, reflecting yoga’s evolution from an ancient Indian practice to a global wellness movement. The day is observed in over 190 countries, with millions participating in synchronized yoga sessions and related activities.
2025 Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
The theme for 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal well-being and planetary health. This aligns with India’s G20 vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” and the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). The theme highlights three core messages:
Unified Health: Yoga nurtures holistic well-being—body, mind, and consciousness.
Planetary Awareness: Mindfulness cultivated through yoga encourages sustainable, eco-friendly choices.
Global Solidarity: The practice fosters a sense of collective responsibility for community and environmental health.
Major Events and Participation
1. Yoga Sangam: The flagship event, with synchronized mass yoga demonstrations at over 100,000 locations across India, and a headline event in Visakhapatnam led by the Prime Minister, involving over 500,000 participants.
2. International Reach: India is organizing thematic yoga events in 191 countries, spanning 1,300 cities globally, showcasing yoga as both a cultural tradition and a tool of soft diplomacy.
3. Signature Events: Ten major events target different segments of society, including “Yoga Bandhan,” “Yoga Park,” and “Yoga Connect,” among others.
Historical Context
1. Origin: The idea was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014.
2. UN Adoption: The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on December 11, 2014, with a record 175 co-sponsoring nations.
3. Date Significance: June 21, the summer solstice, was chosen for its symbolism of balance, energy, and renewal values central to yogic philosophy.
4. First Celebration: The inaugural International Day of Yoga in 2015 saw 36,000 participants from 84 nations perform yoga in New Delhi, setting a world record.
Yoga as India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
In 2016, yoga was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its profound influence on Indian society and its global significance.
The philosophy behind yoga is rooted in unifying the mind, body, and soul, fostering greater mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Its values are deeply woven into the ethos of Indian communities, influencing fields such as health, medicine, education, and the arts.
Yoga encompasses a diverse range of practices, including:
1. Physical postures (asanas)
2. Meditation
3. Controlled breathing (pranayama)
4. Chanting and mantra recitation
5. Other techniques for self-realisation and liberation
Transmission of Yoga: Traditionally, yoga was taught through the Guru-Shishya (master-pupil) model, with yoga gurus serving as the main custodians of knowledge and skills. Today, learning opportunities have expanded to include yoga ashrams, schools, universities, community centres, and digital platforms. Ancient manuscripts and scriptures remain vital resources, complemented by a vast body of modern literature on yoga.
Why International Day of Yoga Is Celebrated
1. Global Health Awareness: Yoga’s benefits—flexibility, strength, stress relief, mental clarity, and disease prevention—are widely recognised.
2. Holistic Practice: Yoga integrates physical postures, breath control, and meditation, promoting balanced living.
3. Environmental and Personal Well-being: The 2025 theme spotlights the link between self-care and sustainable living.
4. Cultural Unity: Yoga transcends borders, fostering appreciation for India’s heritage and global unity.
5. Symbolic Timing: Celebrating on the summer solstice ties yoga to natural cycles of energy and spiritual renewal.
6. Widespread Engagement: Events range from government-led sessions to grassroots programs, ensuring broad participation.
Relevance of Yoga in Contemporary Times
| Level | Key Areas | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Level | Reduces Stress and Anxiety | Through breathing techniques and mindfulness, yoga lowers stress hormones. |
| Improves Physical Health | Enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and posture through regular practice. | |
| Boosts Mental Health | Helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression; increases emotional stability. | |
| Promotes Better Sleep | Encourages relaxation, improving sleep quality and treating insomnia. | |
| Fosters Healthy Habits | Builds body awareness, encouraging mindful eating and long-term wellness. | |
| Societal Level | Builds Community and Social Connection | Group sessions create shared experiences and social bonding. |
| Promotes Inclusivity | Accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, background, or economic status. | |
| Supports Workplace Wellness | Reduces employee burnout and enhances productivity. | |
| Improves Educational Outcomes | Yoga in schools improves student focus, discipline, and emotional balance. | |
| Raises Mental Health Awareness | Helps destigmatize mental health and offers holistic coping mechanisms. | |
| International Level | Fosters Global Unity | International Day of Yoga unites diverse cultures in shared practices. |
| Promotes Peace and Nonviolence | Yoga’s ethical precepts (Ahimsa, Satya) contribute to harmony and dialogue. | |
| Encourages Environmental Awareness | Yogic philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with nature and sustainability. | |
| Strengthens Health Diplomacy | Yoga becomes a channel for international cooperation and wellness missions. | |
| Inspires Global Research and Knowledge Sharing | Stimulates cross-cultural studies on physical and mental health benefits. |
Conclusion
The International Day of Yoga 2025 stands out for its record-breaking participation and global outreach. With the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the celebration highlights the intrinsic link between individual well-being and planetary sustainability. Yoga fosters harmony within the self and with the environment, promoting balance, resilience, and mindful living. It serves not only as a tool for personal health but also as a unifying force that transcends cultural and national boundaries. By encouraging holistic wellness and global solidarity, the day reaffirms yoga’s relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. It also reinforces India’s role as a global leader in sharing ancient wisdom for modern living.
Prelims Questions
Q. With reference to the International Day of Yoga, consider the following statements:
1. It is celebrated on June 21 to mark the birthday of Maharishi Patanjali.
2. The resolution was adopted by the United Nations in 2014 with a record number of co-sponsors.
3. Yoga was inscribed in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Mains Questions
Q. “Yoga has evolved into a global movement for health, harmony, and sustainability.” Discuss the significance of the International Day of Yoga in promoting India’s soft power and global health diplomacy.
(250 words, 15 marks)
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