21st June is increasingly gaining popularity as International Yoga Day. Twelve years ago, on this very day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the message of celebrating Yoga Day to the entire world a message that was appreciated and accepted globally. In India, the birthplace of Yoga Day, the day begins with great enthusiasm at the break of dawn. From government institutions to various social organizations, yoga programs are organized across the country. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet members to state governors, chief ministers, ministers, leaders, actors, sportspersons, and intellectuals everyone participates in these events. In a life filled with hustle and bustle, where physical exercise is often neglected, Yoga Day has emerged as a milestone in promoting a healthy body.
Celebrated as International Yoga Day, this day is not just a symbol of physical exercise but a celebration of a profound art that brings balance to human life. Last year, on the morning of 21st June, when thousands gathered for yoga at Delhi’s India Gate in the cool breeze, the scene resembled a cultural festival. Colorful yoga mats, people of all ages, and a collective energy infused life into the atmosphere. It wasn’t just about a single day it was part of a global movement that carried India’s ancient tradition to every corner of the world. This year too, a similar sight is expected.
Yoga, once an integral part of penance for Indian sages and seers, is now being accepted as a scientific and holistic lifestyle. Its roots are thousands of years old, yet it remains equally relevant to the complexities of modern life. When India proposed to the United Nations in 2014 to declare 21st June as International Yoga Day, it was supported by 177 countries. This was not merely a diplomatic victory but a shared vision for humanity.
Yoga is not limited to just postures or physical exercise; it is the art of establishing harmony between the mind, body, and soul. On this day, apart from Delhi, people gather for yoga in every corner of the country and in different cities across the world. From schoolchildren to office workers and farmers in villages, everyone celebrates the day in their own way. Notably, this universal acceptance of yoga reflects its flexibility and inclusive nature. While the youth find energy in the dynamic movements of Surya Namaskar, senior citizens seek peace in pranayama and meditation.
Yoga is a process that transcends the boundaries of age, gender, or social status. Yet, Yoga Day is not merely a day of celebration—it calls for deeper reflection. With increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and physical ailments in modern lifestyles, yoga has become even more essential. According to the World Health Organization, mental health problems will be a major contributor to the global disease burden by 2030. Yoga especially meditation and pranayama has proven effective in reducing stress and improving mental health. Scientific studies have shown that regular yoga practice lowers the levels of stress hormones like cortisol, reducing anxiety and depression.
However, there are some challenges in promoting yoga. The tendency to present it merely as a form of physical exercise has blurred its spiritual and philosophical dimensions. Patanjali’s *Yoga Sutras*, which describe the eight limbs of yoga Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are still highly relevant today. Nevertheless, commercialization and market trends have sometimes reduced yoga to a fashion statement or a fitness trend. Yoga studios, expensive yoga mats, and designer yoga apparel challenge the original simplicity of yoga.
Despite this, the day of 21st June continues to remind us that yoga is not just for personal health, but also for social and environmental balance. Yoga inspires us to harmonize with our inner self and the world around us. When people practice yoga together, a collective energy is created, which brings positive change not only at the individual level but also at the community level. This day reminds us that yoga is not just an ancient tradition, but also a modern solution that leads us toward a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life.
(Written by Sanjay Saxena, Senior Journalist)
