In anticipation of International Yoga Day, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus participated in a yoga session at the ‘Walk the Talk’ event. Held at the Place des Nations in Geneva, the event saw participation from senior officers of the Indian delegation and WHO.
Yoga Session at Place des Nations
The event was organized by India, the UN Geneva, and WHO, aiming to promote the health benefits of yoga. The participants re-energized themselves with various yoga asanas, demonstrating the global appeal and health benefits of the ancient Indian practice.
Official Statement on the Event
In a post shared on social media platform X, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare stated, “For the upcoming occasion of International Yoga Day, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra, joined by DG WHO Dr. Tedros and other senior officers of the Indian delegation, re-energized themselves with yoga asanas at the ‘Walk the Talk’ Yoga session event held at Place des Nations, organized by India, UN Geneva, and WHO in Geneva, Switzerland.”
History and Significance of International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015. The idea was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2014 address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He suggested June 21 as the date for this celebration because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, holding special significance in various parts of the world.
Raising Global Awareness
The aim of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness worldwide about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga, which originated in India, is known for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. It is a tradition that transcends age, gender, and fitness levels, making it a truly universal practice.
Previous Celebrations
Last year, Prime Minister Modi led a special yoga session on the lawns of the UN headquarters, marking the 9th edition of International Yoga Day. During the session, PM Modi emphasized yoga’s adaptability and universal appeal, stating, “Yoga comes from India, it is a very old tradition. Yoga is free of copyrights, patents, and royalty payments. Yoga is adaptable to your age, gender, and fitness level. Yoga is portable and is truly universal.”
The collaborative yoga session in Geneva ahead of International Yoga Day underscores the global commitment to promoting health and well-being through yoga. The participation of high-ranking officials from India and WHO highlights the universal appeal and benefits of this ancient practice.
