In Frames: Breathe, bend, belong

The United Nations’ recognition of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga has brought global attention and a boost to the ancient Indian lifestyle practice that focuses on breathing, flexibility and strength. The origins of yoga can be traced back to thousands of years, and it holds an important place in modern lifestyles. 

Yoga is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy and, just as the remaining five, focuses on attaining self-realisation through its unique teachings for the control of mind and body.

This year’s International Day of Yoga, observed last week, advocated the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, underlining that personal wellness and the health of the planet are linked. While people all over the country took to their mats in celebration of this wellness routine, the philosophy echoed around the world. The lawns of the United Nations headquarters in New York were lined with colourful mats with over 1,200 practising yoga together.

Terming yoga a ‘pause button’ that the world needs in times of instability and uncertainty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forward the idea of yoga for humanity, where inner peace becomes a global policy.

Although primarily a practice of health and well-being, the International Day of Yoga also turned a platform for social media spotlight with participants being keen to take their activities online.

The UN resolution in 2014 that adopted June 21 as the International Day of Yoga had noted the “importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health”. The World Health Organization has urged its member states to help their citizens get over physical inactivity, which is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

Recognising the importance of yoga as a tool to battle physical inactivity and encourage mental stimulation as well as relaxation is one of the key missions of the International Day of Yoga and the trend visible across many countries suggests that awareness is catching on.

(Text by Vighnesh P. Venkitesh)