New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the ninth annual celebrations of International Day of Yoga (IDY 2023) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 21 June, when he begins his first state visit to the country.
The event will last an hour – from 8 am to 9 am – and will be attended by dignitaries from over 180 countries. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will also be on the mat alongside the Prime Minister.
The 2023 celebrations are returning physically this year after being held virtually in 2022 due to Covid when people were encouraged to practise at home.
What does hosting IDY mean for India?
Narendra Modi helming the yoga day at the UN headquarters not only highlights India’s ancient tradition and creates awareness for its benefits, but it also promotes India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
With attendees from over 180 countries, the event is expected to foster international understanding and embody the theme “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — our collective aspiration for a harmonious world.
As US-India bilateral trade relations reach an all-time high, the Prime Minister’s three-day visit is an important reminder of the deep relationship shared between the two countries.
“Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature,” Modi said when he proposed the International Day of Yoga Resolution on 27th September, 2014.