On the occasion of the 3rd International Day of Yoga, a special event on ‘Conversation on Yoga for Health’ was organized at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, in the prestigious ECOSOC Chamber on 21 June 2017. The event was organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in association with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh), Co-Founder of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, President, Divine Shakti Foundation, Mr. Keith Mitchell, Former NFL (USA football) athlete turned yogi, Mr. Stanton Kawer, CEO, Bluechip Marketing Worldwide, USA, Swami Sivadasananda, Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Austria and Mr. Anupam Kher, Actor and Social Activist, India were on the distinguished panel.
The ancient science of Yoga continues to be practiced by millions across the globe as it ‘works’. The regular practice of Yoga has a direct and visible impact on improving physical and mental health and contributes to social harmony and wellbeing. By helping us tune our inner selves with our surroundings comprising all nature including fellow human beings, Yoga contributes to wider societal wellbeing. Yoga promotes the practice of sustainable lifestyles leading to a better harmony between people and the planet.
The United Nations endorsed the vision of Prime Minister Modi by adopting the UNGA resolution A/Res/69/131 that proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution notes ‘the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health’.
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (Pujya Swamiji) said, " When I was in the jungle I saw that the saints there had no shopping mall, no Pizza Hut, no Starbucks, no Amazon.com to get whatever they want, whenever they want, but they were so happy. Nothing was set in their lives, no menu for tomorrow, but personally they were set. Their hearts were set. Their minds were set. From that, their entire health was set! In our lives everything is set but we are upset! What is the key to being set and healthy in body and mind? The answer and the secret is yoga."
Pujya Swamiji further added "Additionally, today, its crucial for us to expand that sense of we must also include our entire planet. Hence yogis must come forward to be Green Ambassadors, ensuring that the world is truly a healthier place for all."
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji said, "We have eradicated most of the diseases that plagued our planet last century, we now have so many vaccinations,, antibiotics and other medicines. But we are not any healthier. Today the diseases we suffer from are mostly diseases from a system out of balance, a system gone awry. Yoga is what brings us back into balance and cures not only diseases of the body but also the pervasive "dis-ease" lack of ease, lack of balance, that afflicts our minds and hearts. Yoga, a true realisation and practice of union, could save not only our health, but also our families, our communities, our nation and our planet. "
In the opening remarks by Dr. Nata Menabde, Executive Director, WHO, New York shared, "Healthy lives and wellbeing have been recognized as an essential aspect of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. While it is important to provide affordable health care services, including hospitals, quality vaccines and medicines, it is important to spread awareness about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in promoting good health. Hence, yoga is not a religion but truly a lifestyle."
Acclaimed and respected Bollywood Actor, Anupam Kherji shared, "We leave our happiness in someone else's hand. Yoga teaches you to be happy with who you are. We are constantly trying to be somebody else but Yoga teaches us how to be ourselves. That will be Yoga's contribution to your own life. Your own contribution to your own life. You can only contribute to your life if you are happy with your life."
Dr Bruce Lipton shared, "When we look at the world today we see global crisis everywhere. While you think it is bad news, it is actually good news. Because crisis precipitates evolution. As we face crisis we recognise it is time for us to change. Hence, I honour, respect and appreciate you because evolution is in your hands."
During the end HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji lead a beautiful pledge of oneness, inspiring everyone, including Anupam Kherji, Dr Nata Menabde and the Ambassador of India to the UN, Mr Syed Akbaruddin, to take Yoga from global to local, starting in their own lives and with their own self. All of the participants deeply moved stood up, joining hands, chanting in unison the sound of Om as it powerfully reverberated throughout the hall, ending the historic International Yoga Day conversation on Yoga in Health and leaving everyone with a lot of deep insight and inspiration.
