(Image source from: www.india.com)

On the occasion of the 5th edition of International Day of Yoga, an indoor yoga session was held at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

According to a tweet by ANI, Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to UN Ambassador, in New York said the indoor yoga session will reinforce values of cleaner, greener, and sustainable future. "I hope this indoor yoga session in Gen Assembly hall, the first of its kind, will reinforce values of cleaner, greener and more sustainable future that all of you yogis are committed", Akbaruddin said.

On Thursday, the UNGA had adopted a resolution, proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice.

According to a report by Chinese media Xinhua, the resolution said that the celebration is the embodiment of the unity of cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions, which plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples on the basis of mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good-neighborliness.

International Day of Yoga in India

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi led the International Yoga Day celebration through a mega celebration in Ranchi. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and others participated in events across the country to celebrate the event.

To commemorate the special day, several programs have been organized in different parts of the country and abroad with great enthusiasm. The theme of 5th International Yoga Day 2019 is "Climate Action". The word "Yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj' meaning "to unite", "to join", or "to yoke".

With a 5,000 year history in ancient Indian philosophy, Yoga is a mind and body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation

The first International Day of Yoga was observed all over the world on June 21, 2015, when more than 30,000 people including PM Modi performed yoga at the Rajpath in New Delhi.

The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by PM Modi during his speech at UNGA on 27 September 2014.

By Sowmya Sangam