The International Day of Yoga at the UN Headquarters today. UN Photo/Mark Garten
New York: The 9th annual International Day of Yoga celebrations at the iconic North Lawn of the United Nations Headquarters here witnessed an overwhelming response from thousands of yoga enthusiasts from over 135 nationalities, setting a Guinness World Record for participation by a maximum number of nationalities in a Yoga session. A video message by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was played as well.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too attended the event here today. In his message, Modi said, “The coming together of more than 180 countries on India’s call is historic and unprecedented.” He recalled the support of a record number of countries in 2014 when the proposal for Yoga Day was tabled in the UN General Assembly making Yoga a global movement and a global spirit through the International Day of Yoga.
The theme for this year is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future”.
The UN Secretary-General said that in a divided world, yoga unites millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace. “In a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice are particularly precious. Yoga offers a haven of calm. It can reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being. It helps us to develop discipline and patience. It connects us to our planet, which so badly needs our protection. And it reveals our common humanity — helping us to understand that despite our differences, we are one. On this International Day of Yoga, let us embrace the spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people, planet and ourselves,” Guterres said.
Several notable dignitaries and prominent personalities from all walks of life including Csaba Korosi, President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly; Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City; Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, participated in today’s event here.
Prior to the yoga session, Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, which was inaugurated in December 2022, during India’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Presidency. Prime Minister thereafter paid his respects at a Peacekeeping Memorial, also on the North Lawn.
Modi, today held meetings with leading academics, US think tank experts, and also business magnate Elon Musk among others today. He also met a group of leading US experts from the health sector including Dr Peter Agre, Physician, Nobel laureate and molecular biologist, and discussed various matters pertaining to the domain of health including the use of digital technologies for quality healthcare, greater focus on integrative medicine and better healthcare preparedness.
Modi also held discussions on India’s digital journey, including the use of Aadhar and innovative tools like Digilocker with Nobel laureate Professor Paul Romer, an American economist and policy entrepreneur. They also discussed various initiatives being undertaken by India for urban development.
– global bihari bureau
