International Yoga Day 2022: Date, Significance & Quotes

The idea of celebrating Yoga day was proposed by PM Modi.

In this busy world, most people used to suffer from various diseases and disorders.

To highlight the importance of doing Yoga and its benefits, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated to honour the traditional practice of yoga, which emanated in India. At a time when our fast-paced lives are becoming too tiring and unhealthy for us, Yoga helps in reducing stress and anxiety, besides providing physical relaxation. 

International Yoga Day aims to spread awareness about the benefits of Yoga.

The day is celebrated on June 21 every year. 

While taking notes from its idea, the idea was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the 69th session of the General Assembly in 2014. According to the PM, "Yoga embodied the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It was not about exercise, but about discovering the sense of oneness with self, the world and nature."

Even the United Nations has highlighted its importance. According to the United Nations, Yoga stands as an emblem for creating balance and harmony. Yoga is "not just about balance within the body or that between the mind and the body, but also balance in the human relationship with the world." UN adds, "Yoga emphasises the values of mindfulness, moderation, discipline and perseverance. When applied to communities and societies, Yoga offers a path to sustainable living."

Listing quotes of prominent personalities praises the art of yoga in one's life:

1.     “True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.” — Aadil Palkhivala

2.     “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.” — Jigar Gor

3.     “Yoga is the ultimate practice. It simultaneously stimulates our inner light and quiets our overactive minds. It is both energy and rest. Yin and Yang. We feel the burn and find our bliss.” — Elise Joan

4.     “Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul.” — Amit Ray

5.      “Calming the mind is yoga. Not just standing on the head.” — Swami Satchidananda.