International Yoga Day – Yoga for Self and Society On 21.06.2024

The International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21st June following its resolution by the United Nations General Assembly 11th December 2014 in which 177 nations co-sponsored it. The resolution acknowledged Yoga's overall advantages for physical and mental health and stressed its significance in creating a balanced lifestyle. The proposed date is the longest day of the year in the mass northern hemisphere (shortest in the southern hemisphere) with special significance in many parts of the world. From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana which is the six-months period between summer and winter solstices when the sun travels towards the south on the celestial sphere. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21st June 2015 and since its inception is being celebrated across the world. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'yoke' or 'union' consisting of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India and aim to control (yoke) and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consciousness untouched by the mind (Chitta) and mundane suffering (Duḥkha). But the modern day yoga denotes a modern form of Hatha yoga and a posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation techniques consisting largely of the asanas which differ from traditional yoga that mainly focuses on meditation and release from worldly attachments. It was introduced by gurus from India after the success of Swami Vivekananda's adaptation of yoga without asanas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The International Day of Yoga strives to increase awareness about the myriad benefits of yoga practice and to inspire people all over the world to live a healthy lifestyle. It emphasises the importance of physical and mental well-being and the role of Yoga in achieving that balance. The International Day of Yoga has seen tremendous participation and support from individuals all across the world. It has evolved into a platform for promoting the practice of Yoga, creating knowledge about its advantages for a holistic well-being of both mental and physical health. It has become a chance for people from many nations and backgrounds to come together and embrace Yoga as a unifying factor. International Yoga Day, 2024 observed on 21st June is the 10th year since its inception in 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly . The theme for 2024 is "Yoga for Self and Society". It was participated by Scientists Dr Jessie Suneetha. W and Mrs. PSM Phanisri along with non-teaching staff and casual labour at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wyra. Floral tributes were paid to Professor Kothapalli Jayashankar on his death anniversary by KVK, Wyra staff.