Yoga for healthier lifestyle

Ranjan K Baruah *

International Day of Yoga observed at Thangmeiband on 21 June 2016 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

There are many international events being organised around the world. Some international days are observed around the globe while there are occasions in different countries which might be limited to some nations or regions . In this regard a new day which has been in the news is Yoga Day.

The idea of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by present Prime Minister of India during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). While addressing the 69th session of UNGA on September 27, 2014, the Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi urged the world community to adopt an International Day of Yoga (IDY).

Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as IDY by resolution 69/131. It aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga. It is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Yoga is being practiced in different parts of the world now and it is gaining popularity after the declaration of IDY.

The draft resolution establishing the IDY was endorsed by a record 175 member states. The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”

In this regard, the World Health Organization has also urged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

In a statement United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also pointed out the global benefits of Yoga: “Yoga is a sport that can contribute to development and peace. Yoga can even help people in emergency situations to find relief from stress.” In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

Ban Ki -moon, UN Secretary General on his message on the occasion of IDY 2016 stated that “ as exercise, yoga has multiple benefits. Physical inactivity is linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. By improving fitness, teaching us how to breathe correctly, and working to diminish stress, yoga can help to cultivate healthier lifestyles.”

“Practicing yoga can also help raise awareness of our role as consumers of the planet’s resources and as individuals with a duty to respect and live in peace with our neighbours. All these elements are essential to building a sustainable future of dignity and opportunity for all” he mentioned.

On this International Day of Yoga, Secretary General has urged everyone to embrace healthier choices and lifestyles and to commit to unity with our fellow human beings, regardless of ethnicity, faith, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. Let us celebrate this Day – and every day – as members of one human family sharing one common, precious home.

There is no doubt that yoga is more than a physical activity. It brings thought and action together in harmony. It balances body and soul, physical health and mental well-being. It promotes harmony among people and the natural world.

This year’s observance of the International Day of Yoga highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last year by all 193 United Nations Member States.

IDY gives us an opportunity to focus on the importance of yoga and how best we can make use of it for ourselves and for others. This day is bringing more opportunities for us to explore yoga from different perspectives.