External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said that the adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly in the Lok Sabha is a reflection of the pan-global appeal of India's rich cultural heritage.
"To me, this broad spectrum of cross regional support signifies two things- first, it is a reflection of the pan-global appeal of India's rich cultural heritage; especially Yoga. While all of us may not be able to become Yogis, but by making Yoga an integral part of our everyday lives, we attain unity of mind and body and a harmony with nature," said Swaraj in her Suo Motu Statement in Parliament on Monday.
"But more importantly, this outpouring of support and whole hearted embrace by the international community for the International Yoga Day signifies how India's age old traditions are in harmony with what the world needs today. Yoga, as the Prime Minister so aptly said in New York, embodies the centuries old Indian message of harmony between man and nature," she added.
She further quoted, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; 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 the nature."
She also said that the smooth adoption of International Yoga Day symbolizes the strong international support that the recent diplomatic endeavours of the Indian government have evoked on the world stage.
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"I would term these as a critical part of a new India's 'breakthrough diplomacy'. From 'Make in India' to 'Swachh Bharat' and now - the 'International Yoga Day'- they are all small steps in our journey to ensure a vibrant, happy and prosperous India, whose imprint and influence are felt far beyond our own shores. Major Yoga organizations from different parts of the world have already welcomed this proposal whole-heartedly," Swaraj said.
"The 'International Yoga Day' is a rich accomplishment of our government's unwavering commitment to global diplomatic engagement. I assure my fellow Parliamentarians that we will continue to exhibit the same unflagging resolve to engage with the world in the days ahead," she added.
She also said that in the history of the United Nations, this is the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any Resolution of this nature.
