Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has today announced the second edition of Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman.

Under the Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman 2023, thirty-three Sammans will be given out under three categories viz Print, Television and Radio in twenty-two Indian languages and English as below

1. 11 Sammans in 22 Indian languages and English – to be conferred under the category “Best Media Coverage in Yoga in Newspaper” 
2. 11 Sammans in 22 Indian languages and English – to be conferred under the category “Best Media Coverage in Yoga in Electronic Media (TV)” 
3. 11 Sammans in 22 Indian languages and English – to be conferred under the category “Best Media Coverage in Yoga in Electronic Media (Radio)” 

Announcing the awards for the year 2023 Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur said that Thanks to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, International Day of Yoga, celebrated on June 21 every year, has kindled a mass movement to promote health and well-being across the globe.

He has further said that Yoga has transcended borders and cultures, captivating the attention of millions worldwide. Its holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being has garnered significant interest, making it a global phenomenon. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the media in spreading awareness and showcasing the transformative potential of yoga. In recognition of this, I am happy to announce that Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to conduct the 2nd edition of Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman this year.

Shri Thakur added that the Samman commends the instrumental role that the media plays in disseminating the outreach of yoga, both within India and abroad. As we celebrate the International Day of Yoga, it is crucial to recognize the immense power and responsibility that the media holds in promoting this ancient practice and its numerous benefits.

He also said that media has been a catalyst in fostering understanding, appreciation, and adoption of this profound practice. It has been successful in presenting it as a universal practice accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Thanking the media for playing this role as an enabler, Shri Thakur said “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the media for its invaluable contributions in disseminating the outreach of yoga in India and across the globe. Your unwavering dedication to sharing the transformative power of this practice has undoubtedly played a significant role in making yoga a universal language of wellness.”

The Samman will be recommended by an independent Jury.   The Samman will comprise of a special media/plaque/trophy and a citation.

The guidelines require Media Houses to submit details in a prescribed format along with relevant clippings of article(s) created and published or audio/visual content telecast/broadcast made during the period 10^th June 2023 to 25^th June 2023. The last date for entries is 1^st July 2023.

Detailed guidelines can be found on the websites of Press Information Bureau (https://pib.gov.in/indexd.aspx ) and Ministry of I&B (https://mib.gov.in/ )

About Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman

Acknowledging the positive role & responsibility of media in disseminating the outreach of Yoga in India and abroad, the Ministry of I&B had instituted the first Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman (AYDMS) in June, 2019. The first edition of the awards was conferred on 7^th January, 2020 and thereafter a hiatus was caused due to COVID19 pandemic. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to revive the Samman and organize the second edition in 2023.

The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015. The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014.

While proposing the idea the Prime Minister stated:

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in wellbeing. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”

Following this initial proposal, the UNGA held informal consultations on the draft resolution, entitled "International Day of Yoga", on 14 October 2014. The consultations were convened by the delegation of India. On 11 December 2014, India's Permanent Representative introduced the draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. The draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from most global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, which is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.

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Saurabh Singh