FOR AGES, Bharat’s unique distinction has been its noble vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — of seeing the entire world as a single entity and all living beings as one. Rooted in the spiritual wisdom of Bharat, yoga is an ancient discipline that harmonises body, mind, and spirit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, said yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, and is a holistic approach to health and well-being. At the behest of the Prime Minister, the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014, approved the proposal, co-sponsored by a record 174 countries, to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Since 2015, millions of people around the world have been gathering in public spaces to practice yoga together — transforming our ancient wisdom into a global movement.

On June 21 this year, as the Prime Minister leads Yoga Day in Kolkata, I am visiting Ladakh for the celebrations. For many years, I have experienced the benefits of practising yoga and panchakarma, which are often hailed as ‘sister sciences’. It is these deeply enriching personal experiences that have inspired me to pen down my reflections on yoga and its profound impact on human well-being.

A timeless legacy of Bharat

‘Yoga’, a timeless........

© Indian Express