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"Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of connect between ours and planet's health, says Saima Wazed

"Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of connect between ours and planet's health, says Saima Wazed

Times of Oman14 hours ago

New Delhi : Ahead of the International Day of Yoga, Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia spoke about this year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of the deep connection between our well-being and the health of our planet, in her remarks.
Wazed in her remarks noted that the International Day of Yoga, marked annually on 21 June, celebrates this timeless practice that nurtures body and soul.
The International Day for Yoga was first proposed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Recognizing yoga's universal appeal, he suggested the Summer Solstice - 21 June - as a symbolic date. With 177 UN member states co-sponsoring the resolution, the proposal received overwhelming support, and the Day was first celebrated in 2015, starting a global wellness movement.
Wazed in her remarks said, "Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It is a journey towards inner peace and harmony, and teaches us to listen to our bodies and to live mindfully. As we practice yoga, we become more aware of our surroundings, and more attunes to the rhythm of nature."
She added, "In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability by encouraging us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world. In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet."
Saima Wazed noted that when we care for the Earth, we care for ourselves. Clean air, pure water, and fertile soil are essential for our well-being. Yoga encourages us to protect these vital resources and ensure a thriving planet for future generations.
Highlighting the benefits of Yoga and they are well-documented, Wazed said, "Studies have shown that 77 per cent of people report feeling physically stronger after practicing yoga regularly. 82 per cent of patients with chronic inflammation experienced a nearly 50 per cent reduction in inflammation after just six weeks of daily yoga. Yoga can also help mental health. A study by Harvard Medical School found that 60 per cent of participants with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks."
On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, she gave a call for people to remember that every breath is a gift from nature, and every moment of mindfulness is a step towards a healthier future. "Let us create a world of health and harmony, of mind, body and planet", Wazed said

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"Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of connect between ours and planet's health, says Saima Wazed
"Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of connect between ours and planet's health, says Saima Wazed

Times of Oman

time14 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

"Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of connect between ours and planet's health, says Saima Wazed

New Delhi : Ahead of the International Day of Yoga, Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia spoke about this year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of the deep connection between our well-being and the health of our planet, in her remarks. Wazed in her remarks noted that the International Day of Yoga, marked annually on 21 June, celebrates this timeless practice that nurtures body and soul. The International Day for Yoga was first proposed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Recognizing yoga's universal appeal, he suggested the Summer Solstice - 21 June - as a symbolic date. With 177 UN member states co-sponsoring the resolution, the proposal received overwhelming support, and the Day was first celebrated in 2015, starting a global wellness movement. Wazed in her remarks said, "Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It is a journey towards inner peace and harmony, and teaches us to listen to our bodies and to live mindfully. As we practice yoga, we become more aware of our surroundings, and more attunes to the rhythm of nature." She added, "In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability by encouraging us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world. In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet." Saima Wazed noted that when we care for the Earth, we care for ourselves. Clean air, pure water, and fertile soil are essential for our well-being. Yoga encourages us to protect these vital resources and ensure a thriving planet for future generations. Highlighting the benefits of Yoga and they are well-documented, Wazed said, "Studies have shown that 77 per cent of people report feeling physically stronger after practicing yoga regularly. 82 per cent of patients with chronic inflammation experienced a nearly 50 per cent reduction in inflammation after just six weeks of daily yoga. Yoga can also help mental health. A study by Harvard Medical School found that 60 per cent of participants with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks." On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, she gave a call for people to remember that every breath is a gift from nature, and every moment of mindfulness is a step towards a healthier future. "Let us create a world of health and harmony, of mind, body and planet", Wazed said

US: Indian embassy hosts Yoga session at Lincoln Memorial; envoy calls it a celebration of India's civilisational heritage
US: Indian embassy hosts Yoga session at Lincoln Memorial; envoy calls it a celebration of India's civilisational heritage

Times of Oman

time15 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

US: Indian embassy hosts Yoga session at Lincoln Memorial; envoy calls it a celebration of India's civilisational heritage

Washington, DC : The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, on Thursday (local time) organised a vibrant Yoga session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The event saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of people, including members of the Indian diaspora and local residents. Speaking at the event, India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, said, "We are all here to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. An enormous, great, fun-filled celebration of India's ancient civilisation heritage in the form of Yoga. A large number of extended Indian families and the Indian diaspora are present with us here, along with the other citizens of the US. It's a wonderful day, a wonderful experience for us...I want to thank everybody for being here with us this morning to celebrate this heritage from India..." Yoga and meditation instructor Acharya Govind Brahmachari, who led the session, highlighted Yoga's deeper purpose beyond physical fitness. "Yoga is widely popular already. We want to bring yoga to every household worldwide because it has many benefits. The deeper aspects of yoga are perhaps not so much known yet. We are here to spread awareness of the original purpose of yoga to actually attain a sense of freedom or oneness with the universe. So that's a deeper aspect of yoga that's very much related to meditation. Then the yoga postures, which are known as yoga asanas, are a part of the practice, part of a holistic system to support the mind, to attain freedom from unpleasant feelings and emotions and thoughts," he said. Dr Smita Patel, a participant at the session, praised the initiative and highlighted the health benefits of yoga. "I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for starting this 11 years ago, and I liked today's theme 'One Earth, One Health'. As a physician, I believe yoga is as essential as breathing and taking medication. Yoga helps reduce anxiety, improve depression, and for children, it helps their attention span, concentration, ability to focus on a task, and ability to complete a task," she said. Acharya Madhuvartanand Avdhut from Ananda Marga Yoga and Meditation Centre also shared his thoughts, saying, "The first yogi was Lord Shiva, who came to this earth 7000 years ago. Yoga has three different parts. Yog Asana, Yog Darshan and Yog Sadhana... Yoga is a multi-faceted approach to healthy living. Yoga can bring world peace and it can unite human society..." The event reflected the growing global embrace of Yoga not just as a physical discipline but as a holistic path to well-being, inner peace, and universal harmony. This year in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebrations from Visakhapatnam, where he will participate in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session at the city's beachfront. Nearly 5 lakh participants are expected to join him in the mass yoga demonstration. Simultaneously, Yoga Sangam events will be held at over 3.5 lakh locations across India, making this one of the largest coordinated Yoga celebrations. In addition, citizen engagement initiatives like 'Yoga with Family' and youth-focused campaigns under 'Yoga Unplugged' have been launched on digital platforms such as MyGov and MyBharat to promote participation and awareness. According to the release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the 2025 theme -- "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" -- highlights the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and echoes the global vision of collective wellness, rooted in India's philosophy of "Sarve Santu Niramaya" (May all be free from disease). Since 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's proposal to observe 21st June as IDY, the Prime Minister has led the celebrations from various locations, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar. IDY has since evolved into a powerful global health movement.

Japan PM's wife Yoshiko Ishiba participates in International Yoga Day celebrations
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Times of Oman

time16 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Japan PM's wife Yoshiko Ishiba participates in International Yoga Day celebrations

Tokyo: The Indian Embassy in Japan celebrated the International Day of Yoga, with the participation of more than 2000 yoga enthusiasts. Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's wife, Yoshiko Ishiba, inaugurated the event and performed yoga. Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya's wife, Satoko Iwaya, also attended the event. India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, addressed the gathering of more than 2000 yoga enthusiasts. The Indian Embassy said that senior government officials, resident ambassadors, diplomats and friends of India in Japan attended the event. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Japan stated, "Glimpses of the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 in Tokyo! Inaugurated by Madam Yoshiko Ishiba, Spouse of Hon'ble PM of Japan. Occasion was graced by Madam Satoko Iwaya, Spouse of the Hon'ble Foreign Minister. Ambassador @AmbSibiGeorge addressed the gathering of over two thousand yoga enthusiasts. Also, marked by presence of Reverend Myoken Hayama & Reverend Tomohiro Kimura of Tsukiji Hongwanji, Spouse of Ambassador Madam Joice Sibi, senior government officials, Resident Ambassadors and diplomats and friends of India in Japan." Every year, the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated on June 21. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga with the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health", which echoes a vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, where he hailed yoga as a gift "beyond age" that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in "health and harmony." The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations. Over three lakh individuals joined him for a mass yoga session in the coastal city, reinforcing this year's message that 'yoga belongs to everyone' and brings the world together. According to a United Nations statement, yoga strengthens the body, calms the mind, and fosters a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility in daily life. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. PM Modi first introduced the proposal in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly.

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