Why in NEWS
International Yoga Day was observed on 21st June, highlighting yoga’s role in promoting health, peace, and global harmony, as nations across the world participated in mass yoga demonstrations and awareness campaigns.
Key Concepts and Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| International Yoga Day (IDY) | A UN-recognized day celebrated annually on 21st June to promote the practice and benefits of yoga. |
| Summer Solstice | The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere; spiritually significant in yogic traditions. |
| Yuj | Sanskrit root of Yoga, meaning ‘to unite’—symbolizing harmony of body, mind, and spirit. |
| Pashupati Seal | Archaeological evidence of yogic posture from the Indus Valley Civilization. |
| Yogasutra | A foundational text on yoga compiled by Patanjali (~2nd century BC). |
| UNESCO ICH | Yoga was inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. |
News Details
- India proposed the idea at the 69th UN General Assembly (2014); it was globally accepted with 177 nations co-sponsoring the resolution.
- First celebrated in 2015, Yoga Day is observed every 21st June, the Summer Solstice.
- The day is aimed at raising awareness about yoga’s holistic benefits: physical flexibility, mental clarity, stress reduction, and spiritual growth.
- Yoga is also recognized by WHO for addressing non-communicable diseases and is part of the Global Action Plan (2018–30).
- Yoga is now a priority sport in India, with government initiatives like M-Yoga App, vocational courses, and the Fit India Movement.
What is Yoga?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Etymology | From Sanskrit “Yuj” meaning union or integration. |
| Philosophical Roots | One of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy. |
| Historical Traces | Evident from Indus Valley artifacts and mentioned in Vedas. |
| Classical Text | Patanjali’s Yogasutra systematized yogic principles. |
| Global Practice | Includes styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar practiced worldwide. |
In a Nutshell (Mnemonic: YOGA DAY)
Yuj – union of body and mind
Origin – Indus to Patanjali
Global recognition – UNESCO & WHO
Awareness of ancient Indian wisdom
Day of Summer Solstice
Action plan for NCDs
Yogic practices for peace and wellness
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following institutions declared 21st June as International Yoga Day?
A. UNESCO
B. WHO
C. UN General Assembly
D. Ministry of AYUSH - What is the significance of 21st June in yogic tradition?
A. Birth anniversary of Patanjali
B. Full moon day in Ashadha
C. Day of New Moon
D. Summer Solstice with spiritual importance - Which of the following is not a school of Indian philosophy?
A. Sankhya
B. Nyaya
C. Buddhism
D. Mimamsa
Answers to Prelims Questions
| Q.No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | The UN General Assembly declared 21st June as International Yoga Day in 2014. |
| 2 | D | 21st June is the Summer Solstice, a spiritually significant day in yoga. |
| 3 | C | Buddhism is a heterodox philosophy, not part of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy. |
