- Countries around the globe have recognized the potential benefits that humankind can enjoy by embracing Yoga- Dr. Harsh Vardhan
- “Considering the immense and well- documented rewards of Yoga for holistic health and well-being of the population, it is our government’s objective to take Yoga to every citizen”
Dr.
Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare addressed
the inaugural ceremony of Global Yoga Conference 2021 in the presence of
Shripad Yesso Nayak, Minister of State for Defence. The event was
organised by 'Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan' along with the Ministry of AYUSH,
Government of India & Indian Council for Cultural Relations to mark
the occasion of 7thInternational Day of Yoga which falls on 21st June 2021.
At
the outset, the Union Health Minister emphasized that when the world
speaks about holistic health and well-being for
humankind, our ancient wisdom of Yoga is invariably mentioned. “Increasing
acceptance of the practice of Yoga across the world is an evidence of
its wide popularity. Yoga’s uptake as a part of daily lifestyle is
observed even in the western world. Even during the present times of
pandemic, when physical and mental fitness have been stressed upon, many
people have turned to Yoga for the same,” he stated.
Accentuating
the importance of the central message for observing Yoga Day this year,
(‘Be with Yoga, Be at Home’), he said, “In light of this global health
emergency, congregational activities in the run up to International Yoga
Day have been muted. This message is most relevant in times of
COVID-19, when it is necessary for all of us to maintain all possible
precautions while also looking out for our overall wellness. Considering
the immense and well- documented rewards of Yoga for holistic health
and well-being of the population, it is our government’s objective to
take Yoga to every citizen.”
Reminding
everyone the call made by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to
the UN General Assembly in September 2014, Dr Harsh Vardhan observed that it is well-known that the origin of International of International Yoga
Day can be traced back to a call made by our Prime Minister
to the UN General Assembly in September 2014,
where he put forth the idea to mark June 21 each year as a day for
celebrating and promoting Yoga and all its benefits.
Dr
Harsh Vardhan highlighted how Yoga has helped people during COVID
restrictions on public activities and said, “It is indeed a matter of
pride for every Indian that this precious inheritance of our country has
found global acceptance. The benefits of Yoga in immunity building and
management of stress are well documented with evidence. With programmes
like this Global Yoga Conference, more people shall be drawn into the
fold of practicing Yoga and related activities. Since the onset of the
pandemic last year, many people have been working from home and the
impact of being quarantined has been felt by many. With several
restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, other popular
methods of maintaining physical fitness, such as public places, parks,
sports and gyms have shut down. A spike in stress levels has also been
observed with increased time being spent in confined spaces along with
added workload as people adapt to new realities. Yoga offers a solution
for maintaining physical fitness as well as contributing towards one’s
mental peace, even in the midst of such restrictions.”
Dr.
Harsh Vardhan concluded his speech by expressing his confidence that
this conference will further spread awareness among people about the
practice of Yoga and the benefits it can bring in their lives.
