Tag Archives: International Day of Yoga

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Day of Yoga: 21 June 2016

1Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

Yoga balances body and soul, physical health and mental well-being. It promotes harmony among people, and between ourselves and the natural world. Recognizing its universal appeal, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. Continue reading →

First International Day of Yoga celebrated in Bangladesh


Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/unicwp/public_html/wp-content/plugins/lightbox-gallery/lightbox-gallery.php on line 570

06. Yoga DemonstrationDhaka, 21 June 2015: In association of UN System in Bangladesh and Bangladesh Yoga Association, the first ever Int’l Day of Yoga was organized by Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre on 21 June 2015 at National Museum Main Auditorium in Dhaka . Dr Gowher Rizvi, the Int’l Affairs Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister graced the occasion as chief guest while UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mr Robert Watkins and Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Mr Pankaj Saran spoke as special guests. A live yoga demonstration was organized with the participation of yoga students. A video on Yoga was also screened before the audience and a photo exhibition was arranged at the national museum premises. More than six hundred audiences took part in the event. On 11 December 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to mark the Int’l Day of Yoga on 21 June every year. Video in you tube

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Day of Yoga, 21 June 2015

yogo.layout1During a visit to India this year, I had the opportunity to practice yoga with one of my senior advisors. Although he happened to be a son of the country, I might equally have done the same with many other colleagues from different parts of the world. Yoga is an ancient discipline from a traditional setting that has grown in popularity to be enjoyed by practitioners in every region. By proclaiming 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, the General Assembly has recognized the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations. Continue reading →