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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be operating services from 4:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at all originating stations. This initiative is designed to facilitate the smooth movement of yoga enthusiasts who will be participating in events celebrating the International Day of Yoga. Trains will run on all lines at intervals of 30 minutes from 4:00 AM until the commencement of regular passenger services, as per the usual daily timetable. This early start is a specific adjustment to accommodate the large number of people expected to attend yoga sessions and related events across the city. This allows individuals to travel comfortably and punctually to their respective venues, ensuring they can fully participate in the International Day of Yoga celebrations without transportation-related delays. The planned metro service alteration demonstrates a proactive effort by DMRC to support significant public events and community activities, highlighting the metro's role in facilitating civic engagement and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The DMRC's decision is a calculated effort to cater to the specific needs of the yoga community and underscores the growing importance of recognizing and accommodating cultural and health-related activities within the city's transportation infrastructure. This one-day adjustment showcases the metro's adaptability and commitment to serving the diverse needs of Delhi's residents and visitors. It further exemplifies how public transport systems can be leveraged to support and enhance community events, promoting a culture of health, wellness, and civic participation.
The International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, will mark the 11th annual observance of this global event. The Indian government is organizing nationwide celebrations under the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the planet. The flagship event, Yoga Sangam, will feature a synchronised mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at over 100,000 locations across the country on June 21, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM. The participation of thousands of individuals across various locations underscores the popularity and widespread adoption of yoga as a means of promoting physical and mental well-being. The emphasis on a synchronized mass demonstration also signifies a collective effort to highlight the unity and harmony that yoga promotes. The chosen theme reflects a broader recognition of the importance of holistic well-being, integrating individual health with the health of the environment. This approach aligns with global efforts to address climate change, promote sustainable practices, and improve the overall quality of life for people around the world. The Yoga Sangam event is a testament to India's commitment to promoting yoga as a tool for fostering both individual and collective well-being, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the global significance of yoga for physical and mental well-being. His involvement further elevates the status of the event and underscores the government's commitment to promoting yoga at both national and international levels. This leadership reflects a concerted effort to position India as a global hub for yoga and wellness practices. The decision to hold the national celebrations in Visakhapatnam also highlights the importance of spreading awareness and participation in yoga beyond metropolitan areas. It contributes to fostering a sense of national unity and promoting yoga as a practice accessible to all citizens, regardless of their geographic location. The Prime Minister's leadership serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace yoga as a means of improving their physical and mental health, fostering a culture of well-being throughout the nation.
This year's theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates with the vital truth about the interconnectedness of health, sustainability, and the environment. It also aligns with India's "One Earth, One Family, One Future" vision, which was highlighted during its G20 presidency. This alignment reflects a strategic effort to integrate yoga into broader global dialogues on sustainability, health, and international cooperation. The "One Earth, One Family, One Future" vision encapsulates a commitment to fostering a sense of global citizenship and addressing shared challenges through collective action. By linking yoga to this vision, India is promoting a holistic approach to well-being that considers the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and the environment. This strategic integration enhances the relevance and impact of yoga on a global scale, positioning it as a valuable tool for promoting sustainable development and improving the overall quality of life for people worldwide. The emphasis on interconnectedness underscores the importance of adopting a holistic perspective when addressing complex challenges such as climate change, health disparities, and social inequalities.
Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’, meaning “to unite” or “to join.” It symbolises the harmony of mind and body, thought and action, and the balance between humans and nature. Recognised worldwide for its holistic health benefits, yoga has become a universal practice promoting wellness and harmony. The etymological origin of the word "yoga" provides valuable insight into its core principles and objectives. The concept of "union" or "joining" highlights the interconnectedness of various aspects of human existence and the natural world. Yoga emphasizes the importance of integrating mind, body, and spirit to achieve a state of equilibrium and well-being. This holistic approach recognizes that health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. By promoting balance between humans and nature, yoga encourages a harmonious relationship with the environment, fostering respect for the earth and its resources. This emphasis on harmony and balance is particularly relevant in today's world, where environmental degradation and social inequalities pose significant challenges to human well-being.
The United Nations officially declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014 through resolution 69/131, following India’s proposal. The resolution was endorsed by a record 175 member states. The date was chosen for the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising the connection between nature and human well-being. The UN's recognition of the International Day of Yoga underscores its global significance and impact. The overwhelming endorsement of the resolution by a vast majority of member states reflects the widespread recognition of yoga's benefits and its potential to contribute to global health and well-being. The choice of the Summer Solstice as the date for the International Day of Yoga further emphasizes the connection between yoga and nature. The solstice symbolizes a time of renewal, growth, and abundance, aligning with the principles of yoga, which promote harmony, balance, and holistic well-being. This symbolic connection reinforces the message that yoga is not merely a physical practice but a way of life that integrates human existence with the natural world.
The International Day of Yoga 2025 will not just be a one-day observance--it will reflect India's enduring commitment to holistic health, environmental harmony, and global well-being. With "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" as its guiding principle, India continues to lead the world in connecting physical fitness with mindful living. This statement highlights the long-term commitment of India to promoting yoga as a tool for fostering holistic well-being, environmental sustainability, and global harmony. The emphasis on "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" reinforces the importance of integrating individual health with the health of the planet. By promoting mindful living, India is encouraging individuals to adopt a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle. This holistic approach recognizes that true well-being encompasses not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional balance, as well as a deep connection to the natural world. India's leadership in this area positions it as a global advocate for sustainable development and holistic well-being, inspiring other nations to adopt similar approaches to promoting health and harmony.
The emphasis on synchronised mass yoga demonstrations, like the Yoga Sangam, underscores the power of collective action in promoting health and well-being. These events serve as a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate the unifying principles of yoga. The act of practicing yoga in a group setting fosters a sense of community and belonging, reinforcing the social and emotional benefits of the practice. These mass demonstrations also serve as a powerful visual reminder of the widespread adoption of yoga and its potential to transform lives. The synchronized movements symbolize unity and harmony, reflecting the core values of yoga and its ability to connect individuals on a deeper level. By participating in these events, individuals not only improve their physical and mental health but also contribute to a collective effort to promote well-being and harmony on a global scale.
The inclusion of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) in the Yoga Sangam event ensures that participants are guided through a standardized and accessible sequence of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). The CYP serves as a framework for promoting safe and effective yoga practice, making it accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. This protocol ensures that the mass demonstrations are conducted in a consistent and coordinated manner, maximizing the benefits for all participants. The emphasis on standardization also helps to prevent injuries and ensures that participants are practicing yoga safely and effectively. By using the CYP, the organizers of the Yoga Sangam event are demonstrating their commitment to promoting safe and accessible yoga practice for all.
The government's active role in organizing and promoting the International Day of Yoga underscores its commitment to fostering a culture of health and well-being throughout the nation. This commitment is reflected in the allocation of resources, the development of national policies, and the implementation of various initiatives to promote yoga and other forms of healthy living. By actively supporting the International Day of Yoga, the government is signaling its recognition of the importance of investing in the health and well-being of its citizens. This proactive approach contributes to creating a healthier and more productive society, reducing the burden of disease, and improving the overall quality of life for all. The government's efforts also serve as an inspiration for other countries to prioritize health and well-being as key components of sustainable development.
The focus on physical and mental well-being is central to the International Day of Yoga celebrations. Yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, including reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing flexibility, and strengthening muscles. The practice of yoga promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall mood. It also helps to improve concentration, memory, and cognitive function. By promoting physical and mental well-being, yoga contributes to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. This holistic approach recognizes that physical and mental health are interconnected and that addressing both aspects is essential for achieving optimal well-being. The emphasis on physical and mental well-being also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to promote health and well-being for all at all ages.
The theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" highlights the interconnectedness of human health, environmental sustainability, and global well-being. This theme encourages individuals to adopt a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle, recognizing that their actions have an impact on the environment and the health of others. By promoting environmental awareness, the International Day of Yoga contributes to efforts to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and conserve natural resources. This integrated approach recognizes that human health and environmental health are inextricably linked and that addressing both aspects is essential for creating a sustainable future. The theme also aligns with the principles of ecological economics, which emphasizes the importance of valuing the environment and incorporating environmental considerations into economic decision-making.
Source: Attention Delhi Metro travelers: Services to start at 4 am on International Yoga Day, 21 June