| Introduction: Give a brief introduction about IDY. Body: What has been the role of yoga in healthcare and what has been its global impact? Conclusion: Conclude with the role of India regarding yoga. |
UN proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014, during the 69th session of the General Assembly. According to the UN website, “Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.” As part of this year’s International Yoga Day 2023, the theme is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which beautifully articulates our shared goal of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
What has been the role of yoga in the healthcare system of other nations?
- Alternate Medicine: Evidence from the UK, and USA suggests that the inclusion of yoga in the healthcare system in these countries has helped citizens deal with stress and sickness. Absenteeism due to intense work pressure and mental health & sickness contributed heavily to the annual cost of healthcare in the UK.
- Research and Innovation: In 2014, the Department of AYUSH was transformed into a full-fledged Ministry of AYUSH with a focus on improving educational standards and developing quality research in the Traditional medicine system of India.
- Health Insurance: Countries like Australia and USA have established norms and procedures to allow private insurance companies to cover yoga and other alternative medicine systems. Yoga discounts are being offered to attract more and more youth to practice yoga to attain a happy and healthy lifestyle.
- Education: The popularity of yoga can be analyzed from the fact that Vivekananda Yoga University, California — started a master’s program in 2019. Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming (China), SOAS, University of London, and International College of Queensland (Australia) have also started such academic initiatives.
How has IDY contributed to the understanding and practice of yoga worldwide?
- Wide acceptance: IDY has risen yoga to be a global phenomenon with the help of digital media especially during COVID. Yoga has transcended geographical boundaries and IDY is now celebrated in 192 countries, including 44 Islamic countries.
- Soft power: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of External Affairs with the support of the AYUSH ministry have been promoting yoga and aims to create a holistic understanding of yoga at the global level which could act as soft power for India. This has led to identifying other traditional medicine systems from Africa as well as South East Asia.
- Sports: IDY has popularised yoga as a competitive sport and asanas have been included in Khelo India and National games. National Yogasana Sports Federation and World Yogasana Federation, are going to standardize and introduce yogasana-based competitions at national and international levels.
- International Cooperation: WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH and major yoga institutions, has developed a new mobile app (mYoga) to educate people about the therapeutic benefits of yoga.
Conclusion:
IDY has created a global community of yoga practitioners who are offering solutions to new lifestyle diseases which have become the leading cause of concern. India should take the lead in maintaining the purity of yoga and making it helpful for the whole of mankind.
