Global citizens gather at UN to showcase yoga's power to unite

New York, June 20: People from around the world will converge here on Friday to highlight yoga's ability to transcend boundaries and foster unity as the United Nations marks the 10th International Day of Yoga.

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This year’s theme, 'Yoga for Women Empowerment', will take center stage on the North Lawn of the UN headquarters, where diplomats, UN officials, employees, and yoga enthusiasts will perform synchronized yoga poses, known as asanas.

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is expected to join the event, with a video message anticipated from General Assembly President Dennis Francis.

The annual global celebrations, drawing millions of participants each year, were initiated by the General Assembly in December 2014, following a resolution proposed by India and co-sponsored by 175 countries, adopted unanimously, designating June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

The date coincides with the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere most years, though this year and next, it falls a day earlier.

The yoga event, scheduled for 6 p.m. New York Time (3:30 a.m. IST Saturday), will be webcast by the UN

The event is co-sponsored by India’s UN Mission and the UN Secretariat.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the yoga session at the UN, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of nationalities — 135 — participating in a yoga practice at one location.

On Thursday, as a precursor to the Solstice, the annual 'Mind over Madness' event will take place at Times Square, featuring day-long yoga sessions aimed at creating a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the 'Crossroads of the World'.

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India’s Consulate General is one of the sponsors of the event, which runs from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and includes yoga classes led by instructors of diverse ethnicities, highlighting yoga’s universal appeal.

Prime Minister Modi first proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga in September 2014 during his inaugural address to the General Assembly, emphasizing, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition”.

The resolution was swiftly adopted within three months by the General Assembly, with Asoke Kumar Mukerji, then Permanent Representative of India, rallying 175 co-sponsors from diverse international backgrounds, marking a record for the fastest adoption of a resolution at the General Assembly.