UNITED NATIONS (TIP): 5th International Day of Yoga celebrations kicked off at the United Nations, with a laser lighting display of Yoga at the iconic United Nations building, June 19.
After the overwhelming success of last few years’ International Day of Yoga celebrations, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations made it larger in the fifth edition. Instead of a single day celebration, this time it is a larger than life event.
Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York said: “ UN has a special place in the remarkable growth of Yoga in our own lifetimes. It was here that the ancient practice of Yoga was transformed into an annual global observance”.
While addressing the 69th session of UNGA on Septembe2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the world community to adopt an International Day of Yoga. On December 11, 2014, the 193 members UNGA approved the proposal by consensus to declare 21 June as “International Day of Yoga.” In its resolution, the UNGA recognized that Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being and wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practicing Yoga for the health of the world population. Yoga also brings harmony in all walks of life and thus, is known for disease prevention, health promotion and management of many lifestyle-related disorders. Keeping these in mind, the Government of India has adopted IDY Logos and a Common Yoga Protocol, a booklet intended to give a brief overview about Yoga and Yogic practices in order to orient the readers towards comprehensive health for an individual and the community.
From its maiden year IDY became hugely popular around the globe. Yoga Day also follows different themes each year. The theme for this year’s World Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Heart’ which highlights how beneficial yoga is towards reducing cardiovascular risk.
On the occasion of the 5th International Day of Yoga, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York has organized five events at the United Nations Headquarters in New York:
EVENT ONE
Projection of Yoga Postures
On North Facade of UN Headquarters Building
Wednesday 19 June 2019
EVENT TWO
Yoga with the Gurus
Thursday 20 June 2019
North Lawn, United Nations Headquarters
The outdoor event at North Lawn of United Nations had a Yoga Session led by Yoga Gurus Swami Paramananda of (Sivananda), Kevin Tobar and his associates from Bhakti Cente and Sunaina Rekhi from India. In addition, there was musical and dance performances by” Indian Raga”. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General was the Chief Guest.
EVENT THREE
Panel Discussion
Theme: Yoga for Climate Action
Friday 21 June 2019
ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters
1100-1230 Hrs
Moderator
Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu,
Deputy Permanent Representative
Panelists
Gaur Gopal Das
Lifestyle coach & motivational speaker
Srinivasan
Acharya, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
Eddie Stern
Yoga teacher, author & lecturer
Simon Haas
Author, speaker & philosopher
Kusumita Pedersen
Professor of Religious Studies, St. Francis College, Brooklyn
EVENT FOUR
PANEL DISCUSSION
Theme – Yoga and Climate Action
1300 – 1500 Hrs
ECOSOC CHAMBER
Moderator
Renee Mehrra
Panelists
Kyle McDonald (Institute of International Social Development, NGO with the UN)
Renee Mehrra (Science of Spirituality, NGO with the UN, UNSRC SOS Club)
Poonam Gupra (Laughter Yoga)
Germany Bravo-Casas (UNSRC Yoga Club)
Guru Dileepji (World Yoga Community)
EVENT FIVE
- Exhibition on Yoga
South Wall, Near East Lounge
United Nations Headquarters
On display until 21 June
- Exhibition on International Day of Yoga – World Photo Series
Curved, Near East Lounge
United Nations Headquarters
On display from 19-21 June
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