Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent charge), emphasized that this year’s theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ highlights yoga's dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. "Yoga nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual growth while promoting societal harmony," he stated. "The enthusiastic participation of millions in recent years reflects the profound impact of yoga on communities." He also announced that the Prime Minister has written to each Gram Pradhan, encouraging grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas. This year's IDY celebrations will be held in Srinagar, with Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi once again at the helm.

He was addressing media at the curtain raiser press conference, here today, ahead of the 10th Edition of International Day of Yoga.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has been a pivotal figure in promoting yoga globally. Since 2015, PM has led the IDY celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jabalpur, and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. His leadership has significantly boosted yoga's global popularity and recognition, Shri Jadhav stated.

He stated that following a proposal by Prime Minister to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014, on 11th of December 2014 it was unanimously resolved to observe 21st June every year as International Day of Yoga. It was an important diplomatic victory for India at the international level. This effort led to the global recognition of Yoga.

In the last 10 years, IDY has set four Guinness Book of World Records. In 2015, a total of 35,985 Indians performed Yoga at Rajpath along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A total of 84 countries participated in the yoga session at one place and gradually each year witnessed increasing number of participation from across the world and last year in 2023, a total of around 23.4 crore people from across the world participated in the IDY event.

AYUSH Minister launched a ‘Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille’ Script to support the visually impaired to learn and Practice Yoga with convenience. He also launched Professor Ayushman comic on Yoga. “This book will help children to learn and practice yoga with interest and entertainment”, he stated.

As a special initiative, this year Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organizing a unique initiative ‘Yoga for Space’ to mark the International Day of Yoga 2024. All scientists and officials of ISRO will perform Yoga together as per the Common Yoga Protocol guidelines. The team from the Gaganyaan project will also join the global campaign of International Yoga Day by practicing Yoga on the occasion.

To promote technology and start-ups in the field of Yoga, the Ministry has organized Yoga Tech Challenge on MyGov portal and MyBharat Portal of the Government of India which aims to identify and promote those start-ups or individuals who have developed Yoga related tools, Developed software and accessories products.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ayush, reflected on the journey of IDY since its inception, emphasizing its role in promoting overall health, promoting social values and a sense of community. "Yoga fosters unity between mind and body, promotes balance, self-control, and overall well-being," he said. He recalled the virtual celebrations during the global pandemic, which highlighted the importance of yoga in maintaining physical and mental health.

He further highlighted the 'Whole of Government' approach to the International Day of Yoga celebrations, emphasizing the coordinated efforts across various government departments and the active participation of State Governments to ensure an inclusive and widespread observance each year. Along with state governments, union territories are actively participating in the IDY 2024. National Ayush Mission team across the nation is also actively in organising IDY events. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and well-being across all sectors of society.

In Delhi, Ministry of Ayush has made associations with NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Corporation), ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) and DDA Delhi Development Authority to organize mass yoga events on 21 June 2024. Ministry is also getting enormous support of social organizations like Brahma Kumaris, Art of Living, Patanjali, Gayatri Parivar, Isha Yoga Centre, Heartfulness and more. 

To engage the masses, the Ministry of Ayush has launched several contests and activities. One notable initiative is the "Yoga with Family" Video Contest, organized in partnership with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on the MyGov and MyBharat platform. This contest encourages families worldwide to participate in the IDY 2024 celebrations, showcasing the joy of yoga and reinforcing family bonds. The submission deadline is June 30th, 2024.

Participants in the #YogaWithFamily Video Contest have the chance to win exciting prizes while promoting yoga's message of health and unity. The Ministry has also created several major hashtags for global use: #InternationalDayofYoga2024, #YogaForSelfAndSociety, #YogaWithFamily, and #IDY2024. People around the world are encouraged to follow and use these hashtags to join this global movement.

***

MV/SB/SK/DP