Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, revealed that this year’s International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations will take place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on June 21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the event, themed ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, underscoring yoga’s profound impact on individual and collective well-being.
Jadhav emphasized yoga’s pivotal role in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual growth, as well as promoting societal harmony. He highlighted PM Modi’s proactive engagement with grassroots leaders, encouraging widespread participation in rural areas.
As part of inclusivity efforts, Jadhav launched the ‘Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille’ to facilitate yoga practice for the visually impaired and introduced a yoga-themed comic book to engage children. Since its inception in 2015, IDY has grown into a global movement, spurred by a United Nations resolution initiated by PM Modi in 2014.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha reiterated that IDY is not just a celebration but a catalyst for behavioral change, urging widespread adoption of yoga for its myriad benefits. He commended the coordinated ‘Whole of Government’ approach and the active involvement of state governments and union territories in organizing inclusive IDY events nationwide.
This year’s IDY will feature diverse activities, including ‘Yoga for Space’ supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where scientists will participate in the Common Yoga Protocol. Additionally, initiatives like a video contest and Yoga Tech Challenge aim to promote awareness and innovation in the field of yoga.
The IDY celebrations have transcended borders, with demonstrations of the Common Yoga Protocol available globally in multiple languages, reflecting yoga’s universal appeal and influence.