Yoga as a mass campaign to build a healthier India
India, the birthplace of yoga, continues to uphold this ancient wisdom, not just as physical exercises but as a holistic philosophy for the nurturing of the human mind, body, and spirit. The phrase from the Bhagavad Gita, yogah karmasu kaushalam (yoga is skill in action), points to yoga's transformative potential, particularly in empowering women and nurturing children. Yoga has gained global recognition as a channel for wellness and social transformation. The UN's 2014 decision to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga was the world's recognition of India's great spiritual and civilisational heritage. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement — a jan andolan for health and wellness. (AP)
This year's Yoga Day theme is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat, it is necessary to integrate yoga into the lives of women and children, who constitute two-thirds of the country's population and are more vulnerable and exposed to health issues than other sections. From improving mental health and hormonal balance to strengthening the muscular and skeletal system, yoga is uniquely suited to meet the health needs of women across age groups.
Adopting yoga before and after pregnancy empowers women to effectively manage related health challenges. Prenatal yoga, with its targeted postures and meditative techniques, alleviates pregnancy discomforts, supports pain management, and boosts energy. It prepares expectant mothers for childbirth physically and emotionally. Postnatal yoga helps lactating mothers in their recovery, emotional well-being, enhancing breastfeeding, and strengthening the mother-child bond. We have leveraged the network of over 25 lakh anganwadi workers to inform, educate, and assist women and children in adopting yoga as a necessary habit in their daily lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constantly advocated for women-led development. The World Bank also argued that increased female labour force participation can boost the manufacturing output by 9% and help us achieve a high-income developed nation status by 2047. All this can only be achieved when we have a physically and emotionally healthy women workforce.
Coming to children, lifestyle disorders, screen dependence, and academic pressures have all become major health afflictions. Yoga offers a response to these challenges, by enhancing concentration, memory, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and stress management. Through Mission Saksham, Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0, my ministry is embedding yoga into early childhood care and development, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness habits. The ministry houses various flagship programmes and schemes for the well-being, health, and nutrient intake of women and children. While delivering these benefits, anganwadi centres, one-stop centres, and child care institutions, among others, educate, influence, and facilitate beneficiaries in including specially designed yoga modules in their lives. From IT to space and from policymaking to strategic defence, women are the new frontline warriors. Hence, women must keep working towards unlocking their potential, with yoga playing a key role. By actively incorporating yoga into our women and child welfare policies, we are asserting our cultural sovereignty while simultaneously enhancing grassroots health and well-being. Yoga must be seen not just as a practice, but as a participatory movement — a jan andolan for health and wellness. Let us unite in embracing yoga as a social and personal commitment to build a healthier India and reach new heights.
Annpurna Devi is Union minister of women and child development. The views expressed are personal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
International Yoga Day 2025 wishes: 100 heartfelt greetings to start the day with calm and joy
Every year on 21st June, people across the globe roll out their mats to celebrate International Yoga Day , a special day dedicated to the ancient practice that brings balance to body, mind and soul. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, Yoga Day is a reminder that even a few minutes of breathing, stretching, and mindfulness can make a big difference. This year, let's mark the occasion by sharing thoughtful wishes, spreading positive energy, and encouraging loved ones to find peace within. Here are 100 simple and heartfelt Yoga Day wishes to share with your friends, family and followers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Skyrizi vs. Taltz for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks. GoodRx Undo Top 100 Yoga Day Wishes Happy International Yoga Day! May your life be as balanced as your best yoga pose. Wishing you peace, health, and inner strength this Yoga Day. Breathe in peace, breathe out stress. Happy Yoga Day! May yoga bring calm to your mind and strength to your body. Happy Yoga Day! Stay healthy and keep stretching. Let's twist, stretch and smile, Happy International Yoga Day! Yoga is the journey of the self, celebrate it today and every day. A peaceful mind begins with a single breath. Happy Yoga Day! May this Yoga Day inspire you to live healthier and happier. Yoga: The best therapy for body, mind, and soul. Happy Yoga Day! Start your day with yoga, end it with gratitude. Happy Yoga Day! Health is wealth, and yoga is the key. Best wishes this Yoga Day! May your poses be strong and your mind even stronger. Yoga teaches us to cure what cannot be endured. Happy Yoga Day! Spread love, light, and flexibility, Happy International Yoga Day. Yoga connects the mind, body, and soul. Wishing you a peaceful Yoga Day! Do yoga today so you can move freely tomorrow. Celebrate the power of breathing right, Happy Yoga Day! Here's to a life full of balance, thanks to yoga. Let yoga lead the way to your best self. Happy Yoga Day! From downward dog to inner calm, wishing you a fulfilling Yoga Day! Stretch your limits, not your patience. Happy Yoga Day! May your body feel light and your thoughts feel lighter. Happy Yoga Day! Yoga adds years to your life and life to your years. Celebrate it! On this Yoga Day, let's salute the ancient gift of health and harmony. Make yoga your daily habit for a lifetime of peace. Take a deep breath and feel the moment, Happy Yoga Day! May every posture bring you peace. Wishing you a joyful Yoga Day! Namaste to a healthier, happier you! Yoga: More than fitness, it's your inner guide. Salute the sun and welcome the energy. Happy Yoga Day! Twist, turn, breathe and smile. Yoga is life. Enjoy Yoga Day! May yoga bring you more joy than a cup of chai! Find your balance in a busy world, Happy International Yoga Day! On this Yoga Day, may your mat become a place of peace. Yoga is the fountain of youth, dive in! Breathe deeply and live fully. Wishing you a peaceful Yoga Day. Let yoga calm your chaos. Smile from your heart, stretch from your soul. Happy Yoga Day! Yoga teaches us that peace is always possible. From beginner to master, yoga welcomes all. Celebrate today! Be kind to your body, practice yoga. Happy Yoga Day! May yoga help you discover your strongest self. Take care of your soul like you care for your phone. Do yoga! Reconnect with your breath and yourself. Happy Yoga Day! Every pose is a promise to love yourself more. Today, unroll your mat and roll away the stress. Let yoga be your daily recharge. Yoga is not about touching your toes, it's about what you learn on the way. Happy Yoga Day! Let your life flow with good vibes. Find calm in the chaos through yoga. Yoga: Where the mind becomes silent and the soul speaks. A balanced life starts with a balanced breath. Your mat is your safe space, celebrate it today. Flexibility begins in the mind, not just the body. Happy Yoga Day! Let your inner light shine brighter. Inhale courage, exhale fear. Happy Yoga Day! Yoga helps you find peace in the pose and in life. Discover the joy of simply being. Celebrate Yoga! A calm mind and strong body, gifts of yoga to you today. Keep calm and do yoga! Yoga is the pause button we all need. Use it. May yoga bring you strength when life gets tough. Let's flow through life, one breath at a time. Yoga adds sparkle to your soul. Happy Yoga Day! Don't just stretch, expand your mind too. Happy Yoga Day! Yoga reminds us to stay grounded and graceful. Happy Yoga Day! Time to recharge your body and mind. Yoga, your daily dose of self-love. Life feels better on a yoga mat. Today, do yoga, feel better, repeat! Yoga: The journey to a better you starts now. Heal yourself with the breath of yoga. Happy Yoga Day! Make time for yourself. Breathe right, live bright, yoga lights the way. Yoga isn't about being good at something; it's about being good to yourself. Flex your body, calm your mind. Let yoga be the anchor that keeps you grounded. The power to change is within your breath. Happy Yoga Day! Yoga isn't a workout, it's a work-in. May yoga clear your mind and lift your soul. This Yoga Day, become friends with stillness. Yoga is for everyone, young, old, flexible or stiff. Start your healing journey with yoga. Happy Yoga Day! A little stretch goes a long way. Yoga is the best habit to develop today. Strength, calm, and grace, may yoga bring them all. Say yes to peace, say yes to yoga! Love yourself enough to do yoga every day. Yoga teaches us the power of pause. Discover the peace within through yoga. Stretch more, stress less. May this Yoga Day fill your life with light. Keep breathing, keep growing. Happy Yoga Day! Celebrate the beauty of movement and stillness. Yoga: your natural stress reliever. Every yoga pose is a step closer to happiness. This Yoga Day, align your breath, body, and soul. Be flexible, not just in body, but in life. Yoga is the best investment in yourself. Happy International Yoga Day 2025!
Economic Times
29 minutes ago
- Economic Times
International Yoga Day 2025 wishes: 100 heartfelt greetings to start the day with calm and joy
Every year on 21st June, people across the globe roll out their mats to celebrate International Yoga Day , a special day dedicated to the ancient practice that brings balance to body, mind and soul. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, Yoga Day is a reminder that even a few minutes of breathing, stretching, and mindfulness can make a big year, let's mark the occasion by sharing thoughtful wishes, spreading positive energy, and encouraging loved ones to find peace within. Here are 100 simple and heartfelt Yoga Day wishes to share with your friends, family and followers. Happy Yoga Day Wishes & Status: International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, promotes the ancient practice of yoga for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The occasion encourages individuals to incorporate breathing exercises, stretching, and mindfulness into their daily routines. Sharing heartfelt wishes and positive energy can inspire loved ones to discover inner peace through yoga, fostering a healthier and happier lifestyle. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein. More
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Yoga offers path to sustainability: WHO regional director Saima Wazed
In a world facing environmental challenges , yoga offers a path to sustainability by encouraging people to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Saima Wazed said on the eve of International Day of Yoga . "In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet," she said in a statement on Friday. The International Day of Yoga, marked annually on 21 June, celebrates this timeless practice that nurtures body and soul, she said. It was first proposed by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Recognizing yoga's universal appeal, he suggested the Summer Solstice - 21 June - as a symbolic date, Wazed said. With 177 UN member states co-sponsoring the resolution, the proposal received overwhelming support, and the day was first celebrated in 2015, starting a global wellness movement, she said. This year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reminds us of the deep connection between our well-being and the health of our planet, she added. "Yoga is more than just physical exercise. It is a journey towards inner peace and harmony, and teaches us to listen to our bodies and to live mindfully. As we practice yoga, we become more aware of our surroundings, and more attunes to the rhythm of nature," Wazed stated. "In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability by encouraging us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world. In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet," she said. Clean air, pure water, and fertile soil are essential for our well-being. Yoga encourages us to protect these vital resources and ensure a thriving planet for future generations, Wazed said. The benefits of yoga are well-documented, she said. Studies have shown that 77 per cent of people report feeling physically stronger after practising yoga regularly. 82 per cent of patients with chronic inflammation experienced a nearly 50 per cent reduction in inflammation after just six weeks of daily yoga. Yoga can also help mental health, she added. A study by Harvard Medical School found that 60 per cent of participants with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after practising yoga twice a week for eight weeks, Wazed said.
