New York, June 21 (ANI): The iconic Times Square in New York echoed with chants of "Om" as hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, members of the Indian diaspora, and wellness advocates gathered to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on Sunday. The event highlighted the growing global appeal of the ancient Indian practice, with this year's theme being "Yoga for Healthy Ageing."
Yoga Guru Credits PM Modi for Global Recognition
Speaking to ANI, Yoga Guru Dr. HR Nagendra, widely regarded as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's yoga guru, credited the Prime Minister for elevating yoga to a global stage. "Today is a great day because our Prime Minister brought International Yoga Day to the world. Yoga is essential for healthy ageing... It is an ancient science that guides modern science to go beyond the physical... Everyone should practice yoga... so that we can move forward and make the world one family," he said.
Indian Diaspora Emphasizes Yoga's Role
Members of the Indian diaspora also underscored yoga's role in promoting health, inner peace, and global harmony. Prem Bhandari told ANI, "I am thankful to Yoga Guru Dr. HR Nagendra Guruji for the message of Yoga from here today... It is the dream of Guruji that VYASA University is established here... We want to take this work forward. Thanks to the PM of India for having 21st June declared as International Yoga Day... Yoga is very necessary for inner peace... and I am promoting it as much as possible."
S-Vyasa University's Research-Based Approach
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Satish Gupta highlighted the efforts of S-Vyasa University in advancing yoga-based research and therapy. He told ANI, "Our entire team of S-Vyasa University has come here from Dallas... Yoga is a therapy and it is a privilege to be celebrating it here at the iconic place of the world... S-Vyasa is offering research-based therapy and hoping to take it to a level where people practice Yoga in their households."
Focus on Healthy Ageing
S-Vyasa University Vice Chancellor Dr. Manju Nath Sharma elaborated on the theme. He said, "This is a special occasion for all of us... This year our theme is Healthy Ageing because everyone wants to age in a healthy way and Yoga is the only way to achieve it... Everyone will continue to do Yoga daily, which will give everyone a chance to live their life towards Healthy Ageing."
Global Context of Yoga for Healthy Ageing
The theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" reflects a growing global emphasis on healthy and active living across the lifespan. As populations age and non-communicable diseases along with lifestyle-related health concerns rise worldwide, the focus is shifting from merely adding years to life to enhancing health span, quality of life, and overall well-being. The International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21, aims to raise awareness about the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.
