New Delhi, June 20:
As the world prepares to observe the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that yoga is much more than a physical exercise—it is a path to inner peace, mindfulness, and sustainable living.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, highlighted the deeper essence of yoga in a message released ahead of the observance. This year’s theme is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
“Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It is a journey towards inner peace and harmony. It teaches us to listen to our bodies and live mindfully,” Wazed said.
She stressed that in today’s world—facing climate change, pollution, and rising health issues—yoga offers a holistic solution, helping people reconnect with themselves, their communities, and the natural world.
Wazed noted that yoga fosters a sustainable mindset by promoting simplicity, conscious consumption, and respect for nature.
“By embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet,” she stated.
Yoga, she added, inspires protection of essential natural resources like clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil, which are vital for long-term planetary and human health.
The health benefits of yoga are also strongly backed by scientific evidence:
77% of regular practitioners report improved physical strength.
Over 80% of individuals with chronic inflammation experienced up to 50% reduction in symptoms after six weeks of daily practice.
A Harvard Medical School study showed that 60% of people with depression had a significant decrease in symptoms after practicing yoga twice weekly for eight weeks.
Wazed concluded by urging global citizens to embrace yoga not just on June 21 but as a daily commitment to personal and planetary well-being:
“Every breath is a gift from nature, and every moment of mindfulness is a step towards a healthier future. Let’s build a world where mind, body, and planet thrive in harmony.”
The International Day of Yoga continues to serve as a reminder of yoga’s power to heal, transform, and unite—within ourselves and with the Earth.