On June 21, 2024, people around the world celebrated International Yoga Day, a tradition started by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. In New York City, fitness enthusiasts took to the streets of Times Square to participate in the ancient Indian practice, beating the excruciating heatwave. International Yoga Day has been accepted by the United Nations General Assembly and is seen as India's gift to the world, with representatives from various countries joining in on the celebrations.
International Yoga Day: A Global Celebration of Mind, Body, and Spirit
International Yoga Day is a globally celebrated occasion dedicated to the ancient Indian practice of yoga. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 upon the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015, and has since become an annual tradition.
Background
Yoga, a Sanskrit word meaning "to join" or "to unite," is a holistic discipline that encompasses physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. It originated in ancient India thousands of years ago and has been passed down through generations. Yoga emphasizes the balance and connection between the mind, body, and spirit, aiming to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
International Yoga Day Celebrations
On June 21st of each year, people around the world come together to celebrate International Yoga Day. Mass yoga sessions are held in cities and towns across the globe, with participants from diverse backgrounds joining in to practice yoga and embrace its benefits.
In 2024, International Yoga Day was marked with grand celebrations in New York City's Times Square. Despite the sweltering heat, fitness enthusiasts took to the streets to engage in the ancient Indian practice. The event represented India's gift to the world and showcased the global appeal of yoga as a means of promoting health and well-being.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is International Yoga Day celebrated? International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st.
2. Who started International Yoga Day? International Yoga Day was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.
3. What is the purpose of International Yoga Day? International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and promote its practice around the world.
4. What does yoga involve? Yoga encompasses physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices, all aimed at fostering a sense of balance, harmony, and well-being.
5. Is yoga suitable for everyone? Yoga is generally accessible to people of all ages and abilities, but it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a yoga practice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
The former head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested and charged with sedition on Monday, leading to India intervening in the situation. Clashes between security forces and Hindu protestors resulted in the death of a Muslim lawyer defending Das. Amid the chaos, Bangladesh's government has ordered an investigation and ISKCON has denied any connection to terrorism.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
India has expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagaran Jote and head of Pundarik Dham. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the arrest and highlighted the continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure their safety and right to peaceful assembly. Protests have broken out in various parts of Bangladesh, with hundreds of Hindus rallying in Chittagong in response to the news.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has called upon the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of prominent Hindu leader and priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON, known for its peaceful Bhakti movement, has strongly condemned the baseless allegations connecting the organization with terrorism. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a prominent figure in the ISKCON community, was taken into custody by the detective branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Today marks 16 years since the deadly and unforgettable 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India. As people remember the victims and honor the brave heroes who fought during the attacks, let's not forget the selflessness and courage of Tukaram Omble, an unarmed police officer who saved lives by bravely standing up to terrorist Ajmal Kasab, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a commando who sacrificed his life while leading the rescue mission at the Taj Hotel. On this somber anniversary, we pay tribute to these and other unsung heroes who risked everything to protect and serve their fellow citizens.
Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister, along with senior officials, pay tributes to martyrs who lost their lives during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, carried out by 10 terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 166 people and sparked widespread global condemnation, leading to changes in India's counter-terrorism measures. Family members of the martyrs also joined in the tributes, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones.
On November 26, 2008, Mumbai was struck by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 166 individuals and left hundreds injured. As the city observed the 16th anniversary of this tragic event, people across the nation paid their respects to the victims and honored the bravery of security personnel. The coordinated attacks by LeT militants targeted both civilians and law enforcement, serving as a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorism. Nine attackers were neutralized by security forces, with the sole surviving perpetrator being sentenced to death and executed in 2012. The 26/11 attacks continue to be remembered as a tragic chapter in India's history, demonstrating the resilience and courage of Mumbai and its people.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has requested the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of its leader Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON has vehemently denied any involvement with terrorism and is calling for the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das. The organization has asked the Government of India to reach out to their Bangladeshi counterparts and convey their peaceful message as a Bhakti movement.
On November 26, 2024, India commemorated the 16th anniversary of the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, one of the deadliest in the nation's history. Leaders from across the country paid their respects to the lives lost and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against terrorism. President Droupadi Murmu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah all offered heartfelt tributes and condemned terrorism as a heinous blot on humanity.
Hindus in Bangladesh took to the streets demanding the release of monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu after he was detained by officials and taken to an undisclosed location. Protests turned violent when unknown miscreants attacked protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong, leading to injuries of over 20 people. Sources suggest that the arrest was a ploy by the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to target the minority Hindu community.