India Initiates Efforts At UN For 'International Yoga Day'

UNITED NATIONS: India has initiated efforts to have June 21 commemorated each year as the 'International Day of Yoga' at the United Nations, aiming to bring to fruition the idea floated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly last month.

Underscoring the widespread recognition and popularity of the ancient Indian practice, First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India here Prakash Gupta said the Indian delegation has initiated steps to proclaim 21st of June each year as the 'International Day of Yoga' at the world body.

"While India is considered as the birthplace of innumerable sports since ancient times, Yoga offers a holistic approach to health and well being globally, and is one of the several concrete manifestations of globalization, that through the exchange of best practices, promotes better individual lifestyles, which are devoid of excesses of all kinds," Gupta told a UN General Assembly session on 'Sports for Peace and Development' here yesterday.

Addressing the 193-member UN body last month, Modi had asked the world leaders to adopt an International Yoga Day saying that by changing lifestyle and creating consciousness, Yoga can help deal with climate change.

Gupta called on UN member and observers states along with UN agencies to collectively join in India's efforts of making the Indian Prime Minister's initiative a "success."

Yoga is the 5,000-year-old Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice that aim to transform body and mind.

Gupta noted that fostering a culture of healthy lifestyle through regular physical exercise has been recognised by the Indian government as a national health priority particularly since the country is going through a period of rapid urbanization and consequent loss of open green spaces.

Highlighting the recent spurt in sporting engagements in India, he said the huge success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has transformed cricket's popularity and visibility.

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Developed on the pattern of the English Premier League for Football, IPL is considered India's most profitable and popular sporting league and has generated employment and revenues for upcoming athletes/players, sporting associations and companies, he said.

India welcomed the observance of the First International Day of Sports for Development and Peace on April 6 this year, saying the commemoration would further promote sports as a catalyst for bringing people together.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and Trans Stadia have signed a 10-year Alliance Agreement to restructure and popularise the Collegiate sports format.

The pact aims to give further impetus to the spirit of peace, education and development through sport and provides a platform for aspiring young sporting talent to prove their mettle, Gupta said.

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