PM Modi Addressed The Nation On 6th International Yoga Day
PM Modi in 2014 had put forward a suggestion during his speech at UNGA to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day. The theme for International Yoga Day 2020 is “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.”
Yoga boosts immunity and the world has realised its health value in the coronavirus pandemic, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21 inaugurating nationwide events to celebrate the traditional exercise system.
“Covid-19 specifically attacks our respiratory system, which gets strengthened by pranayama,” said Modi in a televised speech, referring to the disease caused in the coronavirus outbreak. Pranayama is a breathing exercise.
“Yoga has emerged as a force for unity and deepens the bonds of humanity. It does not discriminate; it goes beyond race, colour, gender, faith and descent,” he said on International Yoga Day.
Yoga Day was first held on June 21, 2015 but is being held online this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. This year’s theme is “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family”.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke about the event on June 21st morning. “Yoga is a means of establishing harmony between body and mind, thought process and work, humanity and nature… This precious gift of Indian culture to the entire humanity has received global acceptance due to Modi ji’ s efforts… World has embraced yoga,” he said on Twitter.
When did International Yoga Day start
On September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forth his suggestion for the occasion of a ‘Yoga Day’. The draft resolution proposed by India was then endorsed by a record 177 member states. The first International Day of Yoga was observed around the world on June 21, 2015.
Why do we celebrate Yoga Day
PM Modi, during his speech at the UNGA, said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in wellbeing. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
Previous themes of International Yoga Day
2015: Yoga for Harmony and Peace
2016: Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
2017: Yoga for Health
2018: Yoga for Peace
2019: Yoga for Heart
2020: Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family
Why is June 21 celebrated as Yoga Day
June 21, also called summer solstice, is the longest day of the year. Therefore, it was decided that the International Yoga Day would be celebrated on this day.
Source: News Agencies