Today: 24 October 2025
21 June 2022
2 mins read

UN recognises Yoga’s potential to heal Covid’s psychological scars  

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti said that the Yoga Day celebration was returning to the UN after two years “during which the Covid pandemic had upended the lives of people”…reports Asian Lite News

The UN has celebrated the International Day of Yoga with leaders recognising its potential for helping heal the psychological scars of the Covid-19 pandemic and for taking the world towards environmental sustainability.

General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid said on Monday: “Today could not have come at a more opportune time as the Covid-19 pandemic has upended the lives and livelihoods triggering a deluge of anxiety and depression.

“The practice of yoga serves as a holistic approach to the physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being of humanity.”

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti said that the Yoga Day celebration was returning to the UN after two years “during which the Covid pandemic had upended the lives of people”.

“During these difficult times, millions embraced yoga as their companion to stay healthy, to overcome depression and mental anxiety In recognition of this important role of yoga, this year’s theme is ‘Yoga for Humanity’,” he said.

In 2014, the General Assembly declared June 21, the traditional solstice day when the sun shines the longest in the northern hemisphere, as the International Day of Yoga.

Since then, the day has been celebrated at the UN and around the world, although during the pandemic it was observed only virtually here.

New York City will celebrate the day at Times Square, considered the “Crossroads of the World”, with the participation of India’s Consulate General.

The celebrations there on the theme, ‘Mind over Madness’, will include yoga classes and demonstrations involving several thousand people throughout the day as it had last year despite the pandemic.

At the UN, where the celebration was held a day earlier, most of the attendees, including Shahid, wore white Tshirts emblazoned with the Yoga Day and “75 Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” logos and participated in yoga exercises on the lawn of the UN headquarters next to the East River.

Tirumurti said: “Yoga can also be an integral part of our ‘Build Back Better’ strategy. The essence of yoga is balance, not just balance within the body or that between the mind and body but also balance in the human relationship with planet earth.”

Bhutan’s Permanent Representative Doma Tshering said that “moderation, discipline and perseverance are all values with universal appeal that encourage a deeper sense of interconnectedness within community, society and the natural world around us as a pathway towards sustainable living”.

“It is in consonance with the ethos of Bhutan’s development philosophy of gross national happiness, that seeks to achieve harmonious balance, balance between material wellbeing on the one hand, and the spiritual, emotional and cultural needs of society on the other.”

ALSO READ: Yoga for super immunity

Previous Story

YOGA DAY SPECIAL: Celebrities’ yoga routine

Next Story

Breathe for happy life, yoga the best route

Latest from -Top News

Abu Dhabi leads future of food innovation

Global Food Week 2025 cements Abu Dhabi’s leadership in food innovation, uniting 75 countries to showcase sustainable agriculture, cutting-edge technologies, and women-led enterprises driving future food security….reports Asian Lite News Global Food

UAE reshapes AI council

The newly reconstituted Council will be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as Vice-Chairman….reports Asian Lite

Tunisian twins crowned reading champions

Tunisian twins crowned 2025 Arab Reading Champions as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hails 32 million students joining the world’s largest literacy drive, uniting Arabs through books and knowledge….reports Asian Lite News His

World Court slams Israel

The International Court of Justice says Israel must uphold human rights and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians, adding moral pressure on Tel Aviv amid Gaza’s worsening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The International

Arab world blasts Israel’s annexation bid

Arab and Muslim nations unite to denounce Israel’s West Bank annexation bills, citing international law and ICJ rulings, as Israel freezes legislation amid global diplomatic pressure. A broad coalition of Arab and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Breathing for Balance

By allowing individuals to focus on their breathing, Pranayama helps

UN chief calls for probe of mass graves in Gaza

The UN secretary-general also urged Israel against invading southern Gaza’s