International Yoga Day

Introduction

While addressing the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, urged the global community to adopt an International Day of Yoga. Emphasizing its universal relevance, he stated that:

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition… It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature… Yoga is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and nature.”

He further highlighted Yoga’s potential role in lifestyle transformation and climate consciousness, calling upon nations to work collectively toward declaring an International Yoga Day.

UN Adoption of International Yoga Day

On December 11, 2014, the 193-member UN General Assembly approved India’s proposal by consensus. A record 177 countries co-sponsored the resolution, proclaiming 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.

The UNGA acknowledged Yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being, underscoring the need to disseminate knowledge about its benefits. The resolution also recognized Yoga’s role in disease prevention, health promotion, and in managing lifestyle-related disorders.

Understanding Yoga

Yoga is a spiritual discipline rooted in a subtle and profound science that harmonizes the body and mind. The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’, meaning to join, yoke or unite. Through Yogic practice, the individual consciousness merges with the universal consciousness—achieving a state of freedom known as mukti, nirvana, kaivalya, or moksha.

Along with this spiritual dimension, Yoga is also an inner science consisting of various methods through which individuals can unite mind and body to attain self-realisation and freedom from suffering.

Historical Roots of Yoga

The origins of Yoga date back thousands of years. According to Yogic lore:

• Shiva is revered as the first yogi (Adiyogi) and the first guru (Adi Guru).
• Though practiced in the pre-Vedic era, Yoga was codified by Maharishi Patanjali, who systematized Yogic practices and philosophy through his seminal work, the Yoga Sutras.

Over centuries, numerous sages and Yoga masters enriched this tradition, documenting their knowledge and contributing to its global spread.

Branches and Schools of Yoga

Yoga works through four primary dimensions of human functioning: body, mind, emotion, and energy. Accordingly, four major classifications evolved:

• Karma Yoga – path of action
• Jnana Yoga – path of knowledge
• Bhakti Yoga – path of devotion
• Kriya Yoga – path of energy

Various traditions, philosophies, and guru-shishya paramparas have led to multiple traditional schools, each offering unique methods to attain the ultimate goal of Yoga.

Commonly practiced Yoga sadhanas include:
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi, Bandhas, Mudras, Shatkarmas, Yuktahara, Mantra-japa, Yukta-Karma, among others.

Symbolism of the Stamp

The commemorative stamp features the International Day of Yoga logo, which holds deep symbolic meaning:

• Folded hands represent Yoga as a union of individual and universal consciousness.
• Green leaves signify nature.
• Blue represents the water element, symbolizing holistic health.
• Brown denotes the earth element.
• Brightness reflects the fire element.
• The Sun signifies the source of energy and inspiration.

Collectively, the logo conveys the values of harmony, peace, balance, and universal well-being, which lie at the heart of Yoga.

Commemorative Stamp Issued

The Department of Posts happily issued a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the International Day of Yoga and to honour India’s ancient heritage that continues to inspire the world.