In Yoga lies the power of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

The theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga is ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, and the theme is to create a holistically healthy, joyful, peaceful and empowered world. Highlighting the sustained, fearless and enduring efforts of all those associated with the International Day of Yoga. Yoga brings positive energy, and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is seeing and treating the world as one big family. Viewed in this way, India’s ancient traditional practice of Yoga becomes a powerful driving force for realizing the ancient prayer ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhin, Sarve Santu Niramay’ (May all be happy and free from disease).

At the outset, I would like to reiterate that AYUSH as a whole has made tremendous progress in the last 9 years. It is the vision, foresight and deep understanding of India’s traditions by our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji that has taken AYUSH forward very fast. His unwavering commitment to the service of the common man and his desire to see India excel in every field has resulted in Yoga Day being celebrated every year across the world with the number of participants increasing manifold every year. Way back in 2014, our Honorable Prime Minister had given the mantra of global wellness and holistic health by proposing to the member countries of the United Nations to celebrate 21st June every year as International Day of Yoga. The UN member states then unanimously accepted the resolution and now the world is adopting it wholeheartedly.

Yoga is not a one day affair for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It is a subject matter that has been well thought out, discussed, reflected upon by many and visualized by our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The representatives of the G-20 nations and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) member states and SCOC partners also hold yoga in high esteem. This year, on International Yoga Day, delegations from different countries will perform yoga exercises in India.

International Yoga Day, as we see it now, is a growing acceptance of Yoga collectively. Every ministry of the Government of India and all the stakeholders are working in coordination with a whole government approach. The Ministry of External Affairs encourages Indian Embassies, Indian Missions abroad and Consulates across the world to organize yoga programs on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. It promotes yoga among the global community and strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy. Similarly, other ministries also work in the area of ​​their relative power.

To realize the full potential of the theme of International Day of Yoga 2023, the first and foremost task would be to reach out to the nook and corner of the world. Last year we did ‘Guardian Ring of Yoga’ for this purpose. This year we are performing yoga in the form of ‘Ocean Ring’, and ‘Arctic to Antarctica countries’ falling on or near the prime meridian line. These two thoughts on 21st June will not only increase the participation of global communities but also demonstrate that Yoga is the life sustaining force, irrespective of the situation or location. Yoga North and South Polar Regions, Himadri-Svalbard, Indian Center for Research in the Arctic; And Bharti – the third Indian research center in Antarctica will also be there.

Various programs are being organized in our country on International Yoga Day to include every section, class, groups in International Yoga Day 2023 celebrations. Yoga Bharatmala will be formed, in which the participation of Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Border Roads Organization will be seen. The Amrit Sarovar of the Ministry of Rural Development will also be a part of this year’s celebrations. Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defense as well as other major Ministries of Government of India are also part of this celebration. It also reflects the approach of the entire government. The idea clearly shows that Yoga Day is a celebration for everyone and each one of us has a role to play.

Common Yoga protocol will be followed at the village level and common service centers have also been linked for this. AYUSH health and Sampookarna health centers under the National AYUSH Mission will also follow the common yoga protocol. This will happen in all health and holistic health centers across India. CYP will be practiced in all AYUSH facilities like educational institutions, hospitals etc. One AYUSH village from each state will also participate in the CYP exercise and for this yoga trainers are being appointed in the identified villages to achieve the status of ‘Sampoorna Yoga Gram’. Its ultimate objective is to achieve the goal of ‘Har Aangan Yoga’ in rural and remote areas, for this provision has been made to train people in Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) in more than 2 lakh villages in India.

This year, our Honorable Prime Minister will lead the Yoga Demonstration at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I am sure this will give a big boost to Yoga at the international level. Also, this year the main program of International Yoga Day will be held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on 21st June. The Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar will lead a mass yoga demonstration at the Garrison Ground, Jabalpur. Madhya Pradesh Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of State for AYUSH Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai and other dignitaries will also attend it.

Each one of us has a role to play in making Yoga Day 2023 a grand success. Take some time out and immerse yourself in the healing and healing power of yoga, as I do every day. Believe me, this year’s Yoga Day is special because in Yoga lies the power of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

(The writer is Union Minister for AYUSH and Ports, Shipping and Waterways).
, Sarbananda Sonowal