Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the lead in a yoga session at the United Nations Secretariat on June 21 to commemorate World Yoga Day, announced UN Resident Coordinator in India, Shombi Sharp, on Tuesday.
In December 2014, the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through a resolution, recognizing its universal appeal and the numerous benefits of practising yoga.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be leading a yoga session at the United Nations Secretariat on June 21,” confirmed Sharp.
The UN Secretariat serves as the hub for the administrative and substantive work of the United Nations, carrying out its tasks as directed by the General Assembly, the Security Council, and other organs.
Yoga, focusing on physical and mental well-being, has resonated with the international community, making International Yoga Day a significant event, stated Sharp. Having Prime Minister Modi leading the session at the UN headquarters adds a special significance to the occasion.
The International Day of Yoga aims to create awareness worldwide about the myriad benefits of practising yoga. India, proposing the draft resolution for the establishment of this day, gained the endorsement of a record 175 member states.
In his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially introduced the proposal, highlighting the value of yoga as an ancient tradition that unifies mind, body, and action. He emphasized that yoga is not limited to physical exercise but is a pathway to discovering a sense of oneness with oneself, the world, and nature.
India has a rich legacy of contributing to UN Peacekeeping operations and stands as one of the largest troop contributors. Over the years, India has deployed approximately 275,000 troops in peacekeeping missions, with around 5,900 currently serving in 12 UN Missions. Indian Army personnel have showcased exemplary professionalism, compassion, and courage while operating in challenging terrains, often making the ultimate sacrifice to uphold UN mandates.
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