Guterres says Yoga unites people globally despite dangerous, divided society we live in
Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 22nd June. UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday marked the 9th International Day of Yoga in the North Lawn of the UN Headquarters said that the day has brought together the union of body, mind and soul of hundreds of yoga enthusiasts including UN officials and staffers for peace, love and harmony around the world.
The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the Secretariat, under the theme, Yoga for Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”).
Mr. Guterres in his video message reminded everyone that in a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice are particularly precious.
He noted the various benefits, “yoga unites”, he added.
“It unites body and mind, humanity and nature, and millions of people across the globe it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace.”
The yoga event took place in the north lawn close to New York City’s East River which includes a display of the flags of each UN Member State.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the yoga session as a temporary yoga studio to host the outdoor event.
Modi said on the occasion of the 9th International Yoga Day that the coming together of more than 180 countries on India’s call is ‘historic’.
Mr. Modi stressed that Yoga is free from copyright, patents or royalties. It is unifying and is for all ethnicities, faith, cultures.
“When we do yoga, we feel physically fit, mentally calm and emotionally content. But it is not just about doing exercise on a mat. Yoga is a way of life,” Modi said.
World body adopted a unanimous resolution declared June 21 the International Day of Yoga in December 2014.
Millions of people took part in the celebration every year across the world ever since. .
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India, with the Sanskrit word yoga meaning ‘to unite’ symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Korosi pointed out how yoga promotes sustainable lifestyles and leads to overall societal well-being.
He said that thanks to his daughter, “I understand better yoga’s ethical guide. The guide which includes the principles of non-stealing, non-greed and nonviolence. In other words, yoga’s ethical guide is a guide to sustainability.”
“Not overusing resources that belong to all of us. Not prioritizing short-term gains over planetary boundaries and working for transformation.”
A yoga instructor led the opening chants and demonstrated basic yoga asanas (poses) as yoga lovers wearing customized white t-shirts joined in.
The event was joined by delegates from the UN Member States, senior officials, and staff of the Secretariat as well as eminent New Yorkers from all walks of life, were present at the event.
Hollywood actor Richard Gere who joined the yoga day said “usually we come to the UN, it´s very political, very goal-oriented to getting something done. But this is a place where you can feel that everyone has an incredible sense of openness, of sharing, there´s a great joy here.”
“I would hope this energy infuses the main building as well and especially the Security Council and its sense of responsibility…a very large human family, so we can work together.”
Grammy award winning music composer and UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador Ricky Kej underscored the deep connection between Yoga and music.
“Yoga is far more enjoyable when there is music and I create a lot of music for yoga. I believe that both have got very strong healing powers and very strong palliative powers.”
“Everybody talks about preventative health and yoga is exactly that. If you lead a lifestyle of yoga, then basically you’ve got less chance of falling ill and can lead an overall life for wellness.”
Other eminent personalities took part in the yoga session include New York Mayor Eric Adams, UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, Vala Afshar, who is the chief digital evangelist at Salesforce, American singer and actor Mary Millben, composer Ricky Kej and chef Vikas Khanna, others.
Mr. Guterres urged people to embrace yoga to build a more harmonious world.
He said that yoga reduces anxiety, promotes mental well-being and helps people in connecting with the planet which is very much needed today.
“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 humanitty helping us to understand that despite our differences, we are one,” Guterres said.
“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,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the date of June 21, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.
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