Since its inception on June 21, 2015, International Yoga Day has grown in popularity and acceptance worldwide. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a relentless yoga advocate, leading Yoga Day celebrations from different locations each year, and promoting its benefits at every opportunity.
Many Indians may not know why Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. Lord Shiva, also known as Adiyogi, is considered the originator of yoga, and the summer solstice on June 21 marks its beginning. The story goes that Lord Shiva meditated blissfully for years, ignoring everyone. However, seven disciples remained patient, determined to learn from him. After 84 years, on the summer solstice, Shiva finally noticed them. On the next full moon, 28 days later, he became the Adiguru (the first guru) and taught the science of yoga to these disciples – the Saptarishis – who then spread it to the world.
Thus, June 21 was naturally chosen for Yoga Day.
The idea of an International Day of Yoga was first proposed by PM Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2014. He said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; and a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but about discovering the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well-being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
Following this speech, the first Yoga Day was celebrated worldwide within months. Since then, the number of people practicing yoga has grown exponentially.
Globally, the interest in yoga is driven by two social trends: the rapidly increasing elderly population and the surge in digital consumption across all age groups, each presenting unique health challenges. The acceptance of yoga across all age groups comes at an opportune time. Reports indicate a significant demographic shift, with the elderly population increasing dramatically.
According to the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011-2036, there were nearly 138 million elderly persons in India in 2021, a number expected to rise by 56 million by 2031. By 2050, there will be over 319 million elderly people, three times the number identified by the 2011 Census, according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI). This elderly generation, often part of nuclear and single-child families, is more vulnerable to age-related health concerns. For them, adopting yoga timely offers significant wellness benefits, and PM Modi’s enthusiastic promotion has likely encouraged more elderly people to embrace yoga.
Additionally, the overwhelming increase in digital consumption from early schooling years is leading to more eye, brain, and nerve-related medical issues. Yoga offers remedies through various mudras for the eyes and face, which can help restore balance amid excessive screen time.
Notably, the Congress party has consistently avoided acknowledging Yoga Day, possibly due to their disdain for PM Modi or a disregard for India’s cultural legacy. Yoga is as much a part of India’s cultural identity as taekwondo is for Korea or salsa for Mexico. Any political group that undermines the country’s strengths suffers from an inferiority complex and self-deprecating attitude, overtly visible in today’s Congress party.
Under PM Modi, yoga has become a powerful and integral component of India’s soft power globally. His dedicated efforts each year have expanded yoga’s outreach, allowing more people worldwide to benefit from it. Last year, PM Modi led a Yoga Day event at the UN headquarters, setting a Guinness World Record for the most nationalities — 135 — at a yoga lesson. The event featured notable figures like actor Richard Gere, singer-actor Mary Millben, New York Mayor Eric Adams, and various UN dignitaries.
This year, PM Modi is leading the Yoga Day event in Srinagar. In recent years, yoga has gained worldwide acceptance as a necessary practice for achieving balance in a cluttered, chaotic world. PM Modi’s efforts in making yoga a crucial part of India’s cultural legacy and pride deserve applause.
The writer is a national spokesperson of BJP, besides being a well-known author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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