International Yoga day 2024: World turns to Yoga amid elections and conflicts

The world on Friday (June 21) celebrated International Yoga Day with the theme "Yoga for Self and Society." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led celebrations for the Yoga Day in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Modi said, "The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past. It connects us with ourselves."

"Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impacton the world," he added.

This was the tenth International Yoga Day since it was adopted by the United Nations in 2014.

Here are the highlights of International Yoga Day 2024:

>As the sun is up on the longest day of the year— remember June 21 is summer solstice as well— the International Yoga Day is all but concluded in India. But in the countries of western hemisphere, where the sun is yet to be up,the Yoga Day fervour is yet to take up its space.

> Just like the previous editions, the International Day of Yoga 2024 was celebrated with much fervour globally.

> In Japan, the Indian embassy in Tokyo witnessed an overwhelming celebration from Japanese Leadership, diplomats, and yoga enthusiasts.

> Back home in India, the armed forces performed yoga on mountains, and warships.

> Addressing the yoga event in Srinagar, PM Modi said that the number of peopledoing yoga was continuouslyincreasing in the world.

>"Wherever I go and whoever (global leaders) I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of daily life,” he added.

> For 2024, the International Yoga Day theme is "Yoga for Self and Society". This year's themeemphasises yoga’s vital role in fostering individual well-being and societal harmony.

> This year's event highlights the profound influence of Yoga on young minds and bodies.