Yoga unites world in pursuit of peace, wellness, provides respite in a chaotic world, “One Earth, One Health’
By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS –World body on Friday observed the International Day of Yoga in an age marked by conflicts, disease, dysfunction and mental health challenges, stated that yoga offers a steady, time-trusted path to help find calm and harmony within and without. Hundreds gathered to embrace the ancient, holistic practice to deliver the powerful message on the iternational Yoga Day, observed annually on 21 June at the UN Headquarters in New York.
North Lawn transformed into an open-air yoga studio overlooking the East River. After a stretch of rainy, gray days, the sky had finally cleared, turned into a bright, warm day.
Yoga enthusiasts, including diplomats, UN officials and staff, took full advantage of it, rolled out their mats flexing bodies and minds.
Peter Rogina, founder of Project Peace Lights fondly recalled the 2019 event, which was moved indoors to the General Assembly Hall due to rain.
“I love the opportunity to practice with such a large group of people, the energy is just amplified. And I also have my son with me, so to introduce him to this experience, I am also very excited.”
A Buddhist monastic Lama Aria Drolma attends the Yoga day every year to participate in the event.
She said her path has taken her from the world of corporate modeling to a more reflective place of inner peace and meditation.
“When I was a young child growing up in India, I used to practice yoga. It touches not only the body but also the soul. It’s very meditative as well. I find yoga to be one of the healthiest things we all can do to take care of our health.”
The emphasis on personal wellness also highlighted the benefits of yoga going beyond individuals to encompass the health of the entire planet.
The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat, the theme of this year’s event was, Yoga for One Earth, One Health.
Indian Ambassador to the UN P. Harish noted how it underscores a vital truth: personal well-being and planetary health are deeply interconnected.
“In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the whole world is one family.”
“The 11th edition of the Yoga Day offers us an opportunity to reflect on how yoga has grown into a global force for well-being, touching people across age-groups, geographies and walks of life,” he added.
Didi Ananda Radhika Acharya from Ananda Marga Women’s Welfare Center pointed out that over an exercise, yoga is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.
“On the outside, we are our bodies, within that lies our mind. Deep further inside, there is something that is always witnessing us, observing us. That is our soul. Through Yoga, we can reach that inner space. When we delve into the depths of our mind through yoga, we realize how deeply connected we all are.”
The participants on the lawn ranged from experienced practitioners to curious first timers, engaged in basic yoga asanas (poses), breathing techniques and stretching exercises.
Dr. Deepak Chopra renowned physician and a leading figure on integrative well-being was the key highlight of the programme guided meditation session.
Marta Shedletsky from Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center of New York attended the session seeking a sense of community, trust and hope. The venue held a special meaning for her.
She said “What’s going on in the world these days, with all the turmoil and all the wars that are going on, this place feels like a symbol of hope for a better future and the possibility of peace.”
