21st June: International Yoga Day

On 11^th December 2014, International Yoga Day was adopted under its Resolution by the United Nations General Assembly following the proposal given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the General Assembly of the United Nations on 27^th September 2014.

The day was first observed in the year 2015. The aim of observing the day is to raise global awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga.

The theme of 2020 International Yoga Day: Yoga for Health- Yoga at Home

This year’s theme focuses on the importance of yoga at the time of a global pandemic. As most nations across the world are practicing lockdown and social distancing norms, many economic activities have come to a halt which had a negative impact on both the mental and physical well being of individuals as a result of stress due to job insecurity, financially, etc.

As a means to improve health at this time of uncertainty, yoga has benefits that can help an individual to deal with stress by increasing the overall mindfulness, flexibility, and fitness. Yoga can be learned and practiced from home through various online resources available across the internet.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a practice that originated in India. The word yoga is a Sanskrit word that means to unite or to join. Yoga symbolizes the unification of the body and consciousness. Yoga has 84 classical asanas such as Tadasana, Trikonasana, Bhajangasana, etc.

Physical inactivity over the last couple of decades due to a hectic lifestyle has become one of the major causes of death worldwide as it causes non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. Yoga is more than physical activity, it not only fosters good health but also helps in maintaining a balanced day-to-day life.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020