Opening the event, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, highlighted the expanding global reach of yoga and described it as a powerful force promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being across geographies, cultures and faiths. He emphasized the universal character of yoga and said that the practice is rooted in India’s ancient wisdom and guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family.
In a special message delivered on the occasion, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said yoga teaches mindfulness, respect and care for humanity, the planet and one another. The event was graced by Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, the first female and non-Indian Siddha Master. Around 800 yoga enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds actively participated in the celebrations.
The programme featured sessions based on the Common Yoga Protocol along with an advanced yoga demonstration presented by the Art of Living Foundation. Dennis Scotto, Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations, served as the Master of Ceremony during the event.
The International Day of Yoga traces its origins to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he proposed the idea of observing a global day dedicated to yoga. Following the proposal, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 11, 2014, declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution received the endorsement of a record 175 Member States.
Since then, millions of people across the world have marked the occasion with enthusiasm every year. In 2023, celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters created a Guinness World Record for the participation of yoga enthusiasts representing the highest number of nationalities.
The 12th International Day of Yoga celebration at the United Nations once again highlighted yoga’s growing influence as a universal practice promoting health, harmony and unity, reaffirming its role in connecting people across borders and cultures while advancing the message of collective well-being.
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