The logo for International Day of Yoga was launched here today by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik.
The United Nations General Assembly had on December 11 adopted an India-led resolution declaring June 21 as the 'International Day of Yoga'. This came less than three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea.
Speaking on the occasion, Swaraj said, "There are three noteworthy points I want to mention here. Firstly, this declaration was made on the back of India's initiative.
"The Prime Minister had mooted the proposal during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27 last year. The day was agreed on as it is the longest day of the year (summer solstice) in the northern hemisphere.
"Secondly, the resolution was passed within a record time of 75 days and thirdly, this is first resolution in which 177 countries had become co-sponsors for World Yoga Day, which was a 'world record'. Even to celebrate Nelson Mandela's birthday, 165 countries had become co-sponsors."
The External Affairs Minister said that India's aim was to celebrate the day in all the 193 United Nations (UN) member states.
"We will observe the day going beyond the 177 countries who have helped pass the resolution by bringing in the rest as well. Internal events will be organised at the Embassy premises in those countries where local regulations do not permit holding of yoga," she said.
The logo was selected by a committee of yoga experts constituted by Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) and has also been approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The logo reflects harmony and peace for the humanity which is the essence of Yoga.
Folding of both hands in the logo symbolises Yoga, which reflects the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature, the holistic approach to health and well being, a senior government official said.
The brown leaves in the logo symbolise the earth element, the green leaves the nature, blue the fire element while the sun symbolises the source of energy and inspiration, the official said.
